Keeping Our Lips In Check

At times, the urge to attack someone verbally could be hard to resist. When wronged, a person might feel justified in punishing the offender with cruel, harsh words - either to his face or behind his back. Still, Christians resist such an urge. Proverbs 10:19 states: " In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly."

God's angels set a good example. They are aware of all the wrong that is done by humankind. Although the angels are greater than man in strength and power, they do not bring against humans an accusation in abusive terms, " not doing so out of respect for Jehovah." (2 Peter 2:11) Knowing that God is fully aware of everyone's wrong doing and is fully capable of correcting matters, the angels keep their lips in check. Michael, the chief of all angels, refrained from using abusive terms, even against the Devil. - Jude 9.

Christians strive to imitate the angels. They follow the Bible admonition: " Return evil for evil to noone. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.' "- Romans 12:17-19.

Interestingly, even the tone and volume of our voice can add a hurtful edge to what we say. It is not uncommon for husbands and wives to hurt each other in shouting matches. Many parents often scream at their children. However, there is no need for us to scream when expressing our feelings. The Bible urges: "Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you." (Ephesians 4:31) The Bible says that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all." - 2Timothy2:24.

Next time: Words That Heal