I was writing the other day about more than once in life I have been guilty of opening my mouth before putting my brain in gear. Never a wise thing to do, yet so very simple to do. But this is multiplied a million times when what comes out had been thought about and planned in advance.
Hurt that is caused intentionally is bad enough but hurt caused by careless words can be equally harmful.
Here is a little tale that offers salutary advice. It is a tale about one who had a very loose tongue.
He had told so many malicious untruths about the local minister that, overcome by remorse, he begged the minister to forgive him.
"And, minister, please tell me how I can make amends." The minister sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back."
The rumormonger quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hastened to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hastened back to the minister's home
"I did just what you said, Minister!"
"Good." The minister smiled. "Now, to realise how much harm is done by a loose tongue, go back to the square."
"And?"
"And collect all your feathers."
And a little poem that says a little more.
When you rise and begin your conversations as we do each and every day every day,
Think twice, and then a thrice, and try to be careful of what you have to say.
Your remarks may be picked up by someone's listening ear,
And you might be surprised at what some people think they hear.
Things that you say without thinking or pictures you try to portray,
By others may be changed, and greatly exaggerated along the way.
How many stories told change for the worse as they are retold.
So think and try to keep any questionable remarks "on hold."
A word of warning and some very sound advice,
When you deem to speak of others, try to say something nice.
No matter who is listening only good things you should sound,
If nothing good comes to your mind, then do not utter a sound.
You may find that a thoughtless remark, in the end,
May cost you a close and valued friend.
Think twice, and then a thrice, and try to be careful of what you have to say.
Your remarks may be picked up by someone's listening ear,
And you might be surprised at what some people think they hear.
Things that you say without thinking or pictures you try to portray,
By others may be changed, and greatly exaggerated along the way.
How many stories told change for the worse as they are retold.
So think and try to keep any questionable remarks "on hold."
A word of warning and some very sound advice,
When you deem to speak of others, try to say something nice.
No matter who is listening only good things you should sound,
If nothing good comes to your mind, then do not utter a sound.
You may find that a thoughtless remark, in the end,
May cost you a close and valued friend.
Have a marvellous day.
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