Growing up I remember my buddies and I having this phrase we would say in response to an ugly, mean or even arrogant statement. When one of us would say something one of us deemed wrong, someone would reply, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” This phrase was used to help the offender think about his statement and hopefully not say the same thing again.

I know, you’re thinking that’s a silly thing for guys to say. Well, you’re probably right, but we said it anyway. Here’s my point in all of this. Although the phrase, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” is goofy and something most adults would never say to one another, it is an important expression we could benefit from if we considered it in our daily lives.

The wise man said, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov. 29:20). How many times a day do you say something in haste only to regret what you said moments, days or even weeks later? Perhaps it’s something you said to your spouse, your kids, your parents, your employer, your teachers, your friends or your coworkers. I know from personal experience that the words I spoke in haste, more often than not, were things I wished I could take back immediately.

Admit it. This is one area of our lives that could use some improvement, isn’t it? Possibly you’ve already said something in haste today you wish you could have taken back.

Notice what Solomon said in the verse mentioned above. He said there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is hasty in his words. A fool has more hope than a person who is quick to speak. As crazy as this may sound, it’s true. When we speak hastily we say things that are hurtful, mean, ugly and harmful. James said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jam. 1:19).

As you deal with people who frustrate, irritate and even hurt you with their words and actions, be sure you “Watch yo mouth!” Let’s all be mindful not to be too hasty with our words. Otherwise, a fool will have more hope than we will.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What are some things you do to help you control your tongue? Share in the comments section below.

It’s being called the best “Final Jeopardy” answer of all time and it was given by a teenager, Leonard Cooper during the Jeopardy Teen Tournament a few weeks ago. When given the answer, “On June 6, 1944 he said, ‘The eyes of the world are upon you,’” Leonard Cooper risked $0 and responded, “Who is some guy in Normandy, but I just won $75,000!” What may very well go down as the greatest “Final Jeopardy” answer in history, will certainly overshadow the events that unfolded moments before.

Trailing in overall money total, Leonard hit a daily double. Much to the shock of Alex Trebek, when asked how much he was willing to risk, Leonard responded, “$18,000.” If Leonard missed this question, he would have lost all his earnings and not been eligible for the $75,000 grand prize. Fortunately, for Leonard, he answered the question correctly and put himself in a position to take home the grand prize.

As I watched Leonard risk everything, I sat in shock. “How could he risk all his money? What if he misses the question? This kid is not smart.” However, the more I thought about his bold move, the more I began to realize how much we can learn from young Leonard. You see, this teenager was willing to risk everything because he knew the reward outweighed the risk. If he missed the question, big deal, he’s at no personal loss. If he answered correctly, he put himself in a position to reap a large reward.

As Christians, we should be a lot like Leonard in that we are willing to take risks. After all, aren’t the rewards worth the risk? This week, why not be bold and take a risk you wouldn’t normally take for Jesus. It just might prove to be well worth the risk when it comes to eternity.

Jesus said, “If anyone wished to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25).

QUESTION:What risks can you take this week for Jesus that might prove worth it in eternity?