Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from distresses.

I've read this text over several times, but just recently noticed that it says, “mouth AND tongue”. This leads me to believe that this text is talking about more than controlling what we say. So I read what a couple of Bible Commentators had to say on it and they suggested that the text is also talking about what we eat and drink. I personally think their thoughts could be right as what we eat and drink does have an effect on our minds and speech. But I also wonder if it is possible if the text could be talking about facial expression.

This is just a thought I'm tossing out to you. I honestly don't know for sure, but it is a possibility as our facial expressions can completely alter the meaning of our words. There's a big difference between a smirk and a kind, open, smile. So it would be good for a person to not only control their tongue, but also expressions and other body language so that we don't say more than we should or subtly hint at something that isn't true.

In every society an uncontrolled mouth can get a person into trouble. Once something is said it can't be taken back or erased. If it was hurtful to someone, that person will remember it for a very long time. If what was said was untrue or foolish, that also will be remembered for a long time. Unfortunately, many people, in trying to look intelligent, will spout off statements as though they were facts, when in truth, there is nothing truthful about the statements. I read a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln which said, “Even the fool is thought intelligent until he opens his mouth.” Proverbs has some very similar statements;

Proverbs 12:23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

Proverbs 17:27-28 Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. After all, even fools may be thought wise and intelligent if they stay quiet and keep their mouths shut.

Often it is just best to keep quiet. This is also true when it comes to talking about our accomplishments, or any good deed we've done. Since our lives should be devoted to God and our actions done in humility, then everything we do should be done quietly, and without boasting.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; let it be a stranger, and not your own lips.

Matthew 6:1-4 "Be careful not to do your good works in public in order to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you. So when you give to the poor, don't announce it with trumpet fanfare. This is what hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets in order to be praised by people. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. When you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your contributions privately. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.

It seems the best way to deal with this is to walk humbly with God and let Him be our guide in all we say and do.