Bite Your Tongue

Chaucer wrote, "... thy tongue shouldst thou restrain." There is truth in his words for a vile one can cause pain. A sword unsheathed from its scabbard can pierce a heart. In like manner, a wicked tongue can tear a friendship apart. No matter how the teeth bite the tongue before it speaks, if allowed to talk freely, emotional havoc it often wreaks. Each word can be a bullet shot from a combative tongue, delivering a verbal assault when ugly words from it is flung. Be mindful of the sharp weapon your tongue can wield because it's capable of wounding those without a shield. Foul words can't be returned once they've been spewed. Control its abusive actions by having a change of attitude. Don't allow it to run wild then say, "It was my tongue's fault." Control the cruel beast, to say least, and rein it in to a halt. Scripture says the tongue has the power of life and death, so do not allow it to define you. Stop and take a deep breath. Words burn whether whispered, hissed or shouted in scorn, weighing heavily in the air, leaving the innocent feeling torn. A tongue can crush both spirit and soul and tell a twisted tale. Keep it leashed inside your mouth and pleasantries will prevail.