“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:7-10, New International Version)
The book, Western Asceticism, contains this quote:
“A brother asked Abba Sisois, ‘I long to guard my heart.’ The old man said to him, ‘And how can we guard the heart if our tongue leaves the door of the fortress open?'”
Have you ever had those moments when you wish you could un-say something. You may apologize and forgiveness may be granted, but you know that your words have left a scar.
There was a time in my life when I was proud of my ability to “out-sarcastic” most anyone. I now regret that I ever saw that as a virtue.
Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37)
In other words (no pun intended), the ability to wound with words comes out of a heart that is willing to wound others. Pride in the ability to win and argument comes out of a heart for whom winning is more important than the other person.
To change our words, we must have a change of heart. Until that change happens, maybe we should speak less and listen more.
Question: What is the most common circumstance that is likely to draw regrettable words from you?
Leave a comment below. Our community would benefit from your insight.
