Main Thought:
The tongue is but a small part of our body, but it is the cause of great sin. The psalmist tried to be silent around wicked people, but he had to speak! What he realized is that life is short, and all the wealth that we spend our lives worrying about passes quickly on to others. In the end, we should use our tongues to bless God and set our hearts on God’s kingdom which brings eternal reward.
Psalm 39:1-7
I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
“O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.”
Prayer
Almighty God, who lives forever, but has sent bounds to our lives on this earth that we cannot pass, grant us true wisdom, that we set not our hearts on earthly things, neither follow after mammon, but seek first Your kingdom and the righteousness of Your Son. By the operation of Your Spirit teach us to remember that we are but pilgrims on this earth, and help us to fix our hearts and hopes above where Christ is, sitting on Your throne. Amen.