I grew up hearing and saying this phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  After I got a bit wiser I realize that this is really not the truth.  I have had people say some things to me that were so hurtful that I wished they had broken one of arm or leg. You see, it is easier to get a cast applied to the broken limb than it is to heal a broken heart or spirit.

Proverbs 18: 21 tell us that: Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  In the book of James – chapter 3 we find some incredible information concerning the tongue and how difficult it is to tame it.

James talks about it being easier to break a wild horse by using a “bit” or steering a big ship with a small rudder, than it is to manage the tongue (v3-4).  The fact that the tongue can be so damaging, should caution us to be very careful how we use it.  This is more so true to mothers who can sometimes take out our frustration and anger on our children by saying things that are hurtful.

For this year let us resolve to use our tongues wisely, let us refrain from gossiping, lying and tearing people down. Instead let use build up, correct lovingly, exhort and affirm.

I was on the internet and came across a sermon by Rick Smith about taming the tongue and here is something that he said that I think we will all benefit from. Before you speak, think. Here is the acrostic he used for think.

T – is it true?
H – is it helpful?
I – is it inspiring?
N – is it necessary?
K – is it kind?.
If what you are about to say does not pass this simple test, then don’t say it.

In His Service,

Vilma