Mouth Guard

May 7

Judges 10-11

Psalm 56:8-13

Proverbs 13:3-4

Luke 22:24-46

Mouth Guard

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 NIV

When I read this verse, I have the mental image of an athlete with a mouth guard. Mouth guards are common in football, hockey, and boxing, but growing numbers of professional athletes in noncontact sports are wearing jaw-positioning mouth guards to improve strength, power, and accuracy. They contend that it helps them think more clearly under pressure. Recent designs not only protect the mouth, but also prevent teeth clenching which causes your body to produce the hormone cortisol. Cortisol increases the heart rate and blood pressure. They also pull the bottom jaw forward which opens the throat to allow for more efficient breathing. The combination reportedly allows the athlete to remain calm, think clearly, and perform to the best of their ability.

It isn’t practical to wear a mouth guard all the time, but it would certainly be helpful to me. If I had something in my mouth that forced me to stop and think before I spoke, I could avoid a lot of the trouble my mouth gets me into. Instead of getting angry or frustrated and speaking rashly, I could remain calm, think clearly, and respond appropriately. I could even choose to not respond at all and just keep my mouth shut. In Psalm 141:3, David asks, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (NIV) The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to act as our mouth guard. He is available to us, but we have to choose to listen to His prompting. His still, small voice will guide us and keep us out of trouble, but we have to listen. He doesn’t shout. This is a day by day, minute by minute decision. We have to choose to utilize our mouth guard. It won’t do us any good if we leave it in the drawer.