A little grit in a motor will soon ruin the most costly engine, and it is the little things that destroy family affection and set one member against another. The cherishing of resentment because of possible slights, giving way to feelings of displeasure because others are preferred before us, allowing the thoughts to wander into forbidden paths, all of these, small as they may seem at first, are the things that mar family life and destroy fellowship. Plug the leak at once and the whole dike may be saved.
“The boneless tongue, so small and weak,
Can crush and kill,” declared the Greek.
“The tongue destroys a greater horde,”
The Turk asserts, “than does the sword.”
A Persian proverb wisely saith,
“A lengthy tongue—an early death;”
Or sometimes takes this form instead,
“Don’t let your tongue cut of your head.”
“The tongue can speak a word whose speed;”
The Chinese say, “outstrips the steed;”
While Arab sages this impart,
“The tongue’s great storehouse is the heart.”
From Hebrew wit this maxim sprung,
“Though feet should slip, ne’er let the tongue.”
The sacred writer crowns the whole,
“Who keeps his tongue doth keep his soul!”