Think about all of the protective measures that we take in our lives in various applications. We put up “baby gates” to protect our kids from falling down the stairs. We put up “Beware of Dog” signs to protect our neighbors from our K-9 friends. We wear seatbelts to protect ourselves in the event of an accident. We take great steps to protect 
ourselves sometimes.
We are well aware that “life” is in “the power of the tongue,” but we are perhaps even more keenly in tune to the fact that “death” is in “the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21). Do we take any protective measures when it comes to the “fire” that is our tongue (Jas. 3:6)? Wisdom reveals that he who “guards his mouth” (1) “keeps his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23) and (2) “preserves his life” (Prov. 13:3). This is no little matter!
Our constant prayer to God should be, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psa. 141:3). Then, we need to work to answer that prayer!