The things that come out...
Illustration
"The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' " Obscene words are commonplace today even among grade schoolers. Terms that a few years ago never left the locker room are today written in large letters on T-shirts or heard on television or seen on bumper stickers. Foul language has even become acceptable among some Christians. Some families are exposed to so much of it at movies, on VCRs, and network television that it seems less offensive. But God does not approve, and when used, it gradually lowers the ethical standard of those using it. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" (Ephesians 4:29). "... put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language" (Colossians 3:8).
A woman who developed a serious throat condition was told that her vocal cords needed a total rest and that she was not to talk for six months! With a husband and six children this seemed impossible, but she cooperated. She blew a whistle to call her children. She wrote out instructions and answers to questions on slips of paper. The six months finally passed and she said: "I don't think I'll ever shout like I used to. You'd be surprised how many times I wrote a note hastily or in anger, then crumpled it up and threw it away before anyone could see it. Seeing my words kept me from saying many of them." Whether at work, on coffeebreak, talking to a neighbor, or conversing on the phone, it is good to remember: "He who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). If a morsel of gossip or an unkind remark comes to mind we can always pray, "Lord, help me see the harm it could do. Help me watch my words."
-- Lentz
A woman who developed a serious throat condition was told that her vocal cords needed a total rest and that she was not to talk for six months! With a husband and six children this seemed impossible, but she cooperated. She blew a whistle to call her children. She wrote out instructions and answers to questions on slips of paper. The six months finally passed and she said: "I don't think I'll ever shout like I used to. You'd be surprised how many times I wrote a note hastily or in anger, then crumpled it up and threw it away before anyone could see it. Seeing my words kept me from saying many of them." Whether at work, on coffeebreak, talking to a neighbor, or conversing on the phone, it is good to remember: "He who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). If a morsel of gossip or an unkind remark comes to mind we can always pray, "Lord, help me see the harm it could do. Help me watch my words."
-- Lentz
