And You Thought It Was Tough Taming That Shrew...

It's been said that nothing that is worth doing is easy. Or something to that effect. And it's beyond true that some of the hardest things to do in life are extremely important and beneficial. And very possibly the hardest is taming the tongue. Who hasn't said something and even before it had come completely out of their mouth wished they could take it back?

WARNING: 

For those of you that don't believe in God there is a lot of bible scripture in this blog. 

But PLEASE READ ON. I believe you will find that nothing here will be contrary to what you find to be true in your own life experience regardless of what lens, paradigm or belief system you view life through.

James 3:2-10
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 

4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 

5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 

6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 

8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 

10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Whenever you have something negative to say, first ask yourself,  "Will saying this HELP me, anyone else or this situation?" If it doesn't (or can't) maybe it's best flushed from existence, so as to not pollute the atmosphere or anyone's soul including your own. I love you all! Please think safety first and protect that most dangerous of spaces... the space between our ears. And I am not saying we should go all Pollyanna and pretend the world is a perfect place. But please check yourself before you wreck yourself or someone else. We've got to feed and specifically not maim our own or each other's souls.

Words ARE incredibly powerful:

Proverbs 25:15
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 12:18
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Job 34:3
 3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food

Proverbs 18:21 21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. 

(The power of either life AND death. Serious consequences. Doubt it? Have you ever just heard someone say something and you just feel horrible? Ever walk into a room and feel the tension in the air when someone has been arguing? Not fighting physically but arguing. And you can physically feel it.)

Don't get me wrong. I know that sometimes hard words have to be said.

Proverbs 28:23
 23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

In the words of the Reverend Adrian Monk, "You'll thank me later." (Perhaps MUCH later...)

BUT it's NOT just what you say it's also HOW you say it. And WHEN you say it... I believe it was the Emperor Tai Ming who said "Tai Ming is EVERYTHING!"

Proverbs 15:1

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 11:12 
 12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

This is what I want it to be like  when I speak. 

(And PLEASE forgive me when I fail & I will do the same for you.)

Song Of Solomon 4:11a
 11 Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue...

We always have a choice of what to say (or not) and how we say it.

Deuteronomy 30:19
19 ... I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life...

Psalm 39:1a
 1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth... "

.

and when we blow it by spewing venom on ourselves and others or situations try to remember this: 

James 3:2
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect

and NONE OF US IS PERFECT but in the words of the Reverend Lyle Lovett 

"Look I understand too little too late. I realize there are things you say and do you can never take back. But what would you be if you didn't even try? You have to try"

Another hard thing. Walking that fine line between crucifying yourself and letting yourself go scot free... ah the tightrope. And you thought it was tough taming that shrew...