Note, 1. A guard upon the lips is a guard to the soul. He that is
cautious, that thinks twice before he speaks once, that, if he have
thought evil, lays his hand upon his mouth to suppress it, that keeps a
strong bridle on his tongue and a strict hand on that bridle, he keeps
his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief and saves himself
the trouble of many bitter reflections on himself and reflections of
others upon him. 2. There is many a one ruined by an ungoverned tongue:
He that opens widely his lips, to let our quod in buccam
venerit--whatever comes uppermost, that loves to bawl, and bluster, and
make a noise, and affects such a liberty of speech as bids defiance
both to God and man, he shall have destruction. it will be the
destruction of his reputation, his interest, his comfort, and his soul
for ever, Jam. iii. 6.