This is a non-political post. All comments on this site or social media will be deleted. This is a common-sense and common-decency post, which unfortunately are not that common anymore.
Something has happened in our culture where people feel it is their right to say whatever they want. While free speech is a valued right in America, that doesn’t mean that you SHOULD say anything that you want. There was a time when parents used to teach their children, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, I don’t think that is the case anymore.
James 3 has a lot to say about being careful with our tongues. Verses 7-9 say
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Our tongues can be full of deadly poison. We can kill and destroy with our words.
My parents had a coffee table book when I was a kid that was very shiny and I will never forget the title: “Apples of Gold”. This reference comes from Psalm 25. Here in verses 11-13, the psalmist describes how proper words can encourage and give life.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Our words can tear down, but timely words can be incredibly valuable, like a gold apple on a silver tray. They can help make us better. The phrase “like the cold of snow in the time of harvest” likely refers to the practice of saving snow to put in workers’ drinks to cool them off and quench their thirst. They are refreshing.
I think Eph. 4:32 says it well “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (KJV).
Be nice. MIYCSANDSAAAGA!
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