Psalm 39:1-3
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 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:
Help me, Lord, to consider the effects of my tongue and to choose my words with care; to examine each word before it escapes from my mouth. Each word needs to be carefully tested against the four-fold filter of necessary? kind? truthful? loving? And teach me, Lord, to not hold back for fear of ridicule, rejection, or disagreement for these are all manifestations of pride of self.
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