AUGUST 21 – Words That Guard Your Heart3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:3; Psalm 97; James 3//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” — Proverbs 22:3 (ESV)“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” — Psalm 97:1–2 (ESV)“If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” — James 3:2 (ESV)________________________________________Ever gotten caught in a situation you knew was risky or just plain wrong? Maybe it was gossip, peer pressure, or a moment when you felt like doing the “easy” thing instead of the right one. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us that being careful and wise isn’t cowardly—it protects us. Psalm 97 points out that God reigns with righteousness and justice, which means His rules and ways are perfect and trustworthy. And James 3 shows how much power our words have; controlling what we say is key to living wisely and keeping our lives on track.Being smart and cautious doesn’t mean avoiding life—it means seeing potential danger, thinking ahead, and choosing what honors God. Your words, your choices, and even your friendships can protect you or expose you to harm. When you rely on God’s guidance, you learn how to navigate challenges with confidence and integrity.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Be Proactive: How can recognizing danger before it happens (Proverbs 22:3) help you make better choices at school, online, or with friends?2. Trust God’s Ways: In what ways does remembering that God reigns with justice and righteousness (Psalm 97:1–2) give you confidence to stand for what’s right, even when it’s hard?3. Control Your Words: James 3 reminds us that controlling our speech reflects our character. How can you practice using words that build up rather than tear down?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEWisdom, careful choices, and controlled words protect your life and reflect God’s righteousness to the world.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for guiding me with Your wisdom and protecting me from danger. Help me to see risks before they harm me, trust Your perfect ways, and control my words so they honor You. Teach me to make choices that reflect Your righteousness every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.