Watch your tongue!
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My tongue has gotten me into trouble more times than I care to remember. There’s the time I was in 8th grade and made some snarky remark to an English teacher, who then publicly berated me in front of the class. It didn’t start or stop there…
As I grew older, things got worse. I lied or resorted to outright exaggeration to get my way, both in my personal and public life. I talked trash about other people behind their backs, which in retrospect probably had them wondering if I was also talking about them!
That’s not all. I made fun of “religious people” in front of friends who had deep faith. I argued about everything from politics to what was considered a good song, and I enjoyed proving myself “right”. I used my speaking ability to great advantage at work, where I often “won” debates with other managers on what projects should be advanced or axed. I even think I just wore down some co-workers who were tired of listening to me.
Was I right in every case? Of course not! But I thought I was.
Being older and wiser, and with the powerful assistance of the Holy Spirit, I now take this advice from Proverbs to heart:
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
Proverbs 21:23 NLT
It may have taken me most of my life, but I finally realize that the tongue — when controlled by a mind preoccupied with selfish motives — is a devastating weapon that is better left unused.