Proverbs 21:23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
23 To watch over mouth and tongue
is to keep out of trouble.
Recently I was with someone who has been struggling with illness. It has caused some problems with mental abilities and the result can be disturbing. Memories are skewed and sometimes things are said that really hurt. It is hard to remember that the memories are not accurate and the words spoken come from a disoriented place.
Words can hurt. We have to be careful about using our mouths to upset someone else. My father used to say “put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion.”….something we all need to keep in mind.
In the case of those who can’t monitor their words forgiveness and understanding are important. The rest of us have no excuse.
Be careful using words.
Hear God in Other Voices 