The tongue is a mighty weapon, used to make or break, wound or heal, bless or curse; the tongue could be bitter as well as sweet.

The tongue can be a source of great blessing, it gives wisdom (Proverbs 10:31-32), it can be a source of encouragement (Proverbs 15:4 & 23) say to a frustrated teen at the verge of suicide. People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement- just a card, an e-mail, sms, a phone call- the Bible calls them '…apples of gold in settings of silver' (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV). Words can bring salvation (Proverbs 11:30- The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. NIV). The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. The mouth of a good person is a deep, life giving well…' (Proverbs 10:11 TM). You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost and help change their past, present and future. Our words can also help people grow and mature in their relations.h.i.+p with G.o.d; the lips of the righteous feed many…' (Proverbs 10:21 NAS).

Sadly, it is not so in this generation. The tongue is often more of a weapon of ma.s.s destruction than an instrument of peace. Filthy and vulgar talks are the order of the day, gossips, curses here and there are more rampant than blessings; rumours, lies, slander, libel… you just name it. This could be as a result of the dirty minds most teens have adopted; their minds are as filthy as their speech thanks to negative influences. Whenever you want to speak, think first about what you want to say: is it true? (Exodus 20:16), is it confidential? (Proverbs 11:13), is it helpful? (Ephesians 4:29), finally, is it necessary? (Proverbs 29:11)… if not, let it be unsaid.

A Professor was teaching about Proverbs 15: 1. He asked his students, 'why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?' The students thought for a while... One said, 'because we lose our calm.' 'But why shout when the other person is just next to you?', asked the professor. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you are angry?' The students gave some answers but none satisfied the Professor. Finally he explained, 'when two people are angry at each other, there is a distance in their hearts psychologically. To cover the distance, they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will shout to hear each other through that great distance.' Then the Professor asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly. Why? Because their hearts are psychologically close. The distance between them is very close. The Professor continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They don't speak, only whisper and they even get closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all...' So next time you shout on a loved one, know that you are creating distance between your heart and that person's heart. Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

PONDER:

• Would people prefer to have a parrot than have you around them?

• What have you resolved to do about your words, speech; bless or curse? Gossip or give discerning words?

• Do you think it is possible for you to abstain from group and obscene talk?

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PROMPT:

For the next days, put a smile on someone's face, pay an honest compliment. Bridle your tongue, say only neat and nice things.