8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Yesterday’s proverb (Do not boast) talked about boasting, another sin of the tongue. Today, we are considering other evils that come from a misuse of God’s gift of speech. Cursing, blaspheming, lying are all evils of the tongue. We are told not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Not to swear false oaths, not to smear another’s name. This doesn’t even touch speak that is offensive. How about vulgar jokes, or name-calling? We are surrounded every day by these evils.
I have heard parents swear at their children while telling them to behave. I have watched morning television programs featuring singers who need to be bleeped because of the language contained in this “family” program! It is impossible to go to a movie – unless it’s for children under the age of ten – and not have to listen to foul language. Cursing and swearing are so much a part of everyday speech that no one bats an eye.
There is so much false information out there, that it’s impossible to know truth from lies. Facts are few and far between. Sound bites give us very little news and usually are biased. We have choices as to how we use our tongues. We can praise God, keep our speech clean, tell the truth, and monitor what we read, watch and listen to. In other words, we can follow the commandments and live as God wants us to. We will probably be called out of touch or old fashioned, but who are we trying to please the world or God?
Lord, please forgive us for the times when we have used the gift of speech in evil ways and give us the grace we need to use our tongues only for praise and truth. Amen.
