No Remote Control for Unkind Words

Jerry was sure he was in for trouble when he got a call to the principal's office. He knew what he was to be accused of and he was innocent. He knew who had broken into the milk cooler in the school cafeteria and
that he was in no way to blame.

On his way to the office he rehearsed a speech that was sure to put the principal in his place. When he got his speech all said the head of the school would certainly think twice before he ever accused Jerry of anything again. But the speech was never made.

Mr. Henry asked Jerry if he had had any part in breaking the machine. Jerry said, no. The principal thanked him and dismissed him after assuring the boy that he had never thought Jerry had any part in the theft.

How often have you planned to say something to hurt someone only to find yourself tongue-tied when the time came? Or how often have you walked away without saying anything only to have a dozen good ideas come into your head too late? Oh, many, many times!

Well, now, you can just be thankful that you didn't say them when you had the opportunity, for the chances are that you would have been sorry once you had uttered a word. Angry, cutting words cannot be recalled. Once they are out their damage is done and all the words of apology in the dictionary can't erase the fact that you spoke them.

God did not give us the gift of speech to hurt each other. We must only try to improve on someone else when our advice is asked. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote: "My brethren, be not many masters . . ." (James 3:1).

Give me the gift of a soft answer, O God, and keep me from being an unwelcome teacher.