John Trapp on Psalms 34:13

Verſ. 13. Keep thy tongue from evil, &c.] This is an hard ſaying, think the moſt; who will therefore rather venture it than yeeld to be ſo tied up. The Tongue is an unruly member, and can hardly be hampered. But who would not temper his tongue, and bind it to the good abearance, for true bleſſedneſs? Who would not rather bite it off, and ſpit it out (as that ancient Martyr did his, into the face of the Tyrant, who ſolicited him to deny Chriſt) than miſs of Heaven? Ficinus after his Tracts De ſanitate tuenda, of keeping good health; and another, of recovering health; and a third, of prolonging life; becauſe all will not do, wiſely addeth a fourth; Of laying hold on eternal life; which cannot be done, but by mortifying this earthly member, a looſe and lewd tongue. For by thy words thou ſhalt be juſtified, and by thy words thou ſhalt be condemned, ſaith the Judge himſelf, Mat. 12.37. Compare Gen. 49.21. with Deut. 33.23. and it will appear that good words ingratiate with God and Men.