The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.                                     Isaiah 50:4

A disciple is a learner.  Lord, make me a student of the people with whom I come into contact today.  Let me be fully present in our conversations, attentive to their heart, not on what I should say next.  There are so many battle-weary companion pilgrims who share the road of life with me.  Let me be a rapt listener to their hearts.

Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.                                               Proverbs 15:11-12

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips.                                         Proverbs 22:17-18

Help me, Lord, to have a word from You to give people, according to their need.  Let it be ready upon my lips.  Is this a good reason for me to memorize Your word?

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.                                                                                                Ephesians 4:29

A very wise checklist:  1) nothing unwholesome, 2) speak what makes the other person better, 3) just right for the occasion, and 4) full of grace, kindness, and reminders of forgiveness.  Lord, I cannot think that fast — to monitor my speech as it is flowing.  Please help me to meditate on these attributes of helpful conversation, so that I will be more likely to produce good lip-fruit when You present the opportunity.