“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness” (Proverbs 10:32).
The word “forwardness” is tahpukah (tah-pu-KA) which gives the idea of something perverse. Randy felt like he needed to take a shower for his mind and heart. It was his first day in the new department in the factory. What horrible language and perversity he encountered. He prayed that the Lord would keep his heart clean and his words pure. Amanda pulled her squad car into space number 34 and radioed to dispatch that she was out of service. In the quietness of the moment, she whispered to the Lord, “What foul, perverted language I have dealt with today. Cleanse me, Lord, and may my words be acceptable.” These two are not the exception. Today it is very possible that you will be around perverse words. May they not come from you, and may the Lord give you grace and wisdom in dealing with them. May your words be acceptable because of the righteousness the Lord has given you.
For today: “Guard our words, Lord, and help us to speak in an acceptable way, we pray!”