Entrapment

“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, keep the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

Stop! Remember what happened the last time? The same scenario is about to play out; this time, ignore the bait. You can do this, but only with God’s help. Decide in your heart to escape the trap.

How many times has a conversation entrapped you? The enticing words and tone were familiar, yet you blindly walked into the snare, unprepared for what followed. The signs were there, you even felt the churning inside, yet you opened your mouth and blurted out a response. You were enticed and entered a conversation that ended with words you wished you had kept to yourself. But you took the bait; your words fell on each participant. And the enemy in your midst is feeling quite smug with your cooperation—again.

The New Testament describes the tongue as a small part of the body, a fire, a world of wickedness that corrupts the whole body. It can set life on fire, flames from hell (James 3:6). Words can entice, agitate, inflame another person to act wrongly. Sometimes it takes only a little spark to get that fire going into a blazing inferno. Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle response can disarm grievous words that stir anger.  

How can we avoid entrapment by words? Recognize familiar signs, be on guard when around certain people, and like David in this Psalm, put your mouth under lock and key. He knew the enemy had snares laid in wait for him (v. 9). He told himself that he would be mindful of his actions and not sin in his speech, bridling his tongue when tempted to say something wrong lest He offends God (39:1). Bridle your mouth; better it is squeezed with a bit of discomfort than to say regretful words and set a conversation on fire. Like David, ask the Lord to stand guard over your mouth and keep the door to your lips. He will because He wants your best.