I have a mean streak. Most people do. I try to keep mine in check, and I’d like to think (perhaps foolishly) that since:
a) I’m old enough to know better, and
b) I claim the title of “Practicing Christian”
it would be easy to keep said streak in check. But that is just not always the case. My particular brand of invective tends to reveal itself in the form of not thinking before speaking. This can either mean consciously taking a verbal shot at someone - making a witty low-blow which helps me score points with one party by detracting from another one - or just flat-out not taking a moment to consider the repercussions of my word vomit before spewing it forth.
In the last week I have found myself on more than one occasion suddenly reeling in the wake of my own sarcasms. I am pretty sarcastic, but on these particular occasions, I took it too far. And I found myself hastily snapped to my humiliated humbled senses, trying to pull the foot out of my mouth as quickly as possible, without causing further damage. And, even though apologies were issued in short order . . . it still is a horrid feeling knowing that I have wounded someone.
I need to work on this.
“’Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove
all doubt.”
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
“If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all.”
– Thumper, Walt Disney’s Bambi
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your
sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
– Psalm 19:14
“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
– Ephesians 4:28-32
2 comments:
I come from a family of sharp tongued folks who verbally kill or wound each other. It is one of the things that I have had to work hard to overcome. Our words are very powerful - they can bring life or death. Choose life.
I don't remember Thumper saying that line, I probably should watch it again.
Post a Comment