“Be Careful What You Say”

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.”"  (Prov. 17:19)

The Scriptures say a lot about loving your brother, about making sure that he comes first in your preferences, that he is accorded the kind of respect and honor he deserves, even when you disagree with him.  It is true that we may need to correct the wrong done by my brother, but such is not a license for me to fuel my ego or bolster my reputation.  Before criticizing carefully examine your motives.  It’'s people who are important, not your own satisfaction.

Allow me to suggest three points to consider before you open your mouth.  First, before you say something about someone, be sure its true.  It is dangerous to repeat unverified information.  Second, before you say something about someone, examine the reason for saying it.  Abraham Lincoln once said, "“Don’t criticize before you know you can help”."  Third, before you say something about someone, remember how Jesus said, “Do unto to others as you would that they should do unto you.”  If you don’t want your name slandered, don’t be guilty of slandering others.

The tongue is hard to control.  It requires tremendous concentration.  However, if we fail to tame the tongue it can kindle all kinds of fires.

George Slover

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