April 24

By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. — Prov 16:6 BSB

There is a deep connection between godly fear and living a holy life. When do we fall into frivolous conversation or speak light and careless words? When do bursts of temper or impatient expressions slip out? When do we engage in carnal, worldly talk? It happens when the streams of godly fear are not flowing, softening our hearts into humility and love, and not rising up to check and restrain our tongues.

When godly fear is active, it restrains our speech, preventing us from saying things that grieve our conscience, harm our witness, or cause others to stumble. The Apostle Paul’s words are worth pondering: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:29-30). When this godly fear is at work in us, it guards our lips and directs our words so that they glorify God and edify others.