| “The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” So “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,” and “speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” It is written that “the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness,” and “a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” On the other hand, “the heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Even so, it is well for us to remember that “whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles” and that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” So “let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” |
