“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” – Psalm 141:3 (ESV)

C.J. Stroud was taken as the second-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. He went on to be chosen as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year finishing the season with 4,557 total passing yards and 23 regular-season touchdowns. Stroud led the Texans to a 10-7 season and the AFC South title. The Texans are the first team in NFL history to claim a division title with a first-year head coach (Demeco Ryans) and a first-year quarterback. Stroud has faced many challenges in his young life but has grown through those experiences to become a bold and outspoken follower of Jesus on and off the football field. He understands that people are watching and listening to him because of his success. Stroud wants to honor God in his walk and talk. “I can’t proclaim that I love God and have a wild mouth. That just doesn’t make sense to me; it’s hypocritical.”

David was a man after God’ own heart, yet he was not perfect. He too wanted to honor God in his walk and talk. He prayed that God would come to him quickly and listen attentively. He wanted his prayers to be pleasing to God. He pleaded with God to keep him away from ungodly men who were wicked in word and deed. He asked that a guard be placed over his mouth to prevent words or speech that would not honor God. David understood the importance of his words. Maybe, in some mysterious way, he heard the wisdom his son Solomon would later speak, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3)

Heavenly Father, give me clean lips today as I seek to honor You in my walk and talk. May my words build others up rather than tear them down. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.