May 6-7 - Oh no!

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ... “ - James 3:2-10 ESV

During the war posters appeared all over towns and villages alerting people to the fact that careless talk would cost lives. How often have we opened our mouths, said something, then realized our mistake and had to apologize profusely? All of us make mistakes – you know, the times we open our mouths and speak before we even think about what we say. Ouch!

The Apostle Peter was somewhat like that – mouth open, tongue into drive, before he had given his brain time to get into gear! That can get us into big trouble too, and lead to all kinds of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. When it’s too late, we realize we said something stupid or revealed way too much....oh, how we wish we could turn back time!

I'm sure we've all done it, made those kind of thoughtless comments and words that can be a poison. The snide remark over someone’s appearance… the catty comment intended to be a putdown… the shared secret that you promised not to repeat—those words are the poison that can kill – maybe not physically kill, but emotionally? Mentally?.

We must be careful and think about what we say, and make our words as enriching and life bringing to others as possible. With God’s help, we can learn to be more mature in our thoughts – learn to speak more thoughtfully and carefully. Like in times of war, careless talk and mindless thinking still causes problems.

Guarded minds and prayerful remarks are a blessing to others. Words to our children, our spouses, or our friends can build self-esteem, quiet anxiety, or shower them with joy. Or, they can be poison to the relationship we have with them, and their relationships with others.

As with everything, God gave us freedom of choice, "Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose." Proverbs 18:21 MSG. But we can't do it alone, we need His help

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing of this, “My Help” - Psalm 121. Click on the picture to listen.