When we hear the words crate training we automatically think about animals.

Crate training involves enclosing the animal inside a cage providing them with their own space, keeping them safe and preventing them from causing harm.

When you go to the zoo one of the first things you notice are large cages of some kind between the people and the animals.

There are benefits to both the animal behind the cage as well as the people on the other side.

The benefits…. discipline and protection.

Without the crate training the animals will have no discipline and the people will be void of protection from the animals.

The crate provides boundaries.

We all understand the possible danger associated with animals without boundaries.

But what about the dangers associated with our tongues? Have you ever thought about crate training your tongue?

Well, the tongue is so dangerous God put it behind bars(teeth) inside a cage(mouth) like animals in the zoo (James 3:8).

Without boundaries the tongue can impart false perspectives and untruths (James 3:6). But with  boundaries, the tongue will speak at the right time in a manner that will bring order amid confusion, light on a dark path and wisdom where there is foolishness(Colossians 4:6).

Solomon offers great wisdom on the results of having boundaries around our tongue. “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3).

Boundaries do not prevent you from being the best version of yourself. Boundaries allow you to be the best version of yourself

Just like animals learn to thrive within the parameters of a cage, we too can learn to thrive when our tongue is protected by biblical boundaries(1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 15:4; Provers 21:23).

Words are powerful.

Words can build or destroy.

We need to become intentional about securing the boundary around our tongue.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to please You by encouraging others with the words I speak. I can only do this if my tongue is disciplined. Give me discernment on when to lock and unlock the crate. Clean my heart, God. Transform my mind and fill my mouth with words that honor You. Father, give me wisdom to consider where boundaries may be needed in my life today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: Boundaries help us keep the best of who we are intact.

Psalm 34:13-- Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Proverbs 13:3-- Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Ephesians 4:31-32-- Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Proverbs 16:23-- The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 17:27-28--Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.²⁸ Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 15:1--A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.