10-11-20 The Mighty Tongue

Quote: “Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.  Hush until you heal.” – Unknown

Oh the power of that tiny lil’ muscular organ.

The saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” is the farthest thing from the truth.  Words can HURT.  Think back to a time when a teacher or coach or other adult said something to you when you were younger that you never forgot.  Words can sting…and unfortunately, some can stay a lifetime.

I had a very good friend say something so harsh to me through text that it literally took my breath away – it felt like I’d been sucker punched right in the gut.  Instead of assuming the best of attentions, she reacted to a situation and chose to hurt me to the core.  Ouch did that one hurt.  Those words are forever etched in my brain.  She didn’t mince words – she was in full attack mode and that friendship will never be the same because of it.  But boy oh boy did I learn a valuable lesson about the power of the tongue.

I learned the importance of the wait – always give it 24 hours.

Sleep on it.  Don’t text or call in the heat of the moment.  Take time to breathe.  Talk it over with a trusted source.  And better yet, pray on it.  Don’t blast it all over social media.  Don’t call 10 friends and complain.  Pray.  Chances are you’ll still feel sore from the hurt but it won’t be as painful 6 or 12 hours later.  Give God time to work on your heart.  Let it simmer.  Heal a little.  Then talk to the person.  The heat of the moment can sometimes bring too much heat.  Chill a bit.  And learn to bite that tongue.

The book of Proverbs is often referred to as the fortune cookie book.  It’s full of powerful little nuggets of knowledge, with many of them talking about how we are to treat each other.  Proverbs 18:21a says, “The tongue has the power of life and death…”  That verse is a great reminder of how easily we can kill friendships and relationships with the words we say or email or text or post.

I’ve never once regretted waiting 24 hours.  Ever.  Giving it a day allows me to think rationally when I actually do end up having a hard conversation with someone.  It keeps my heart and head from racing.  I’m much more productive and to the point.  And I know I’ve given God enough time to work on my heart.  By the 24 hour mark, I’m even able to give the person a little grace.

Hush until you heal – love this advice!