YOUR TONGUE IS A WEAPON

Ever heard this statement: “the words we speak are life”. Do you cause death with your words or life when you speak? Do you know it is the most dangerous and sharpest organ of the human body? Your tongue is a weapon, and a powerful one at that. Bridle your tongue. Be watchful. Be guided.

The way one talks is a very revealing index to his character. You want to know someone who is well mannered or well cultured, check the way and manner he speaks. This weapon grows over time but remains small and mostly concealed. It’s bumpy, pink and slippery, but can be pulled out and put away in a blink of an eye. Your tongue is used to create thousands of words every day, and each word has the power to harm or to heal, to hurt or to help. We are defined by how we use our tongues and by the words that leave our lips each day.

Once words are released, they cannot be brought back. Your tongue is like an arrow. Once unleashed, it cannot be withdrawn. Like arrows, words have the ability to pierce those with whom they come in contact. We must be careful with our most precious weapons, our tongues, and the words they create.

Words are incredibly powerful. They can build up, encourage, and motivate. Words can also tear down, hurt, and cause horrible scars. Remember the saying many of us used as kids, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” It isn’t true. Words can hurt. Some of us are living with the scars of the hurtful words of others.

USING YOUR WORDS WISELY

1. Refrain from attack words: Words can be used as a weapon to lash into people. Sometimes our goal is to hurt people by what we say. The first thing some people do in the morning is brushing their teeth and sharpen their tongues. Words can cut like a knife and we want to stick the dagger in deep.

2.      Refrain from gossip: We need to be careful about the news we share concerning others. Someone said, “There is only one thing as difficult as unscrambling an egg, and that’s unspreading a rumour.” Gossip is destructive, and it is subtle. Do not bother spreading it at all. Being quiet about whatever news will do you more harm than good.

3.      Use clean words: Some words are just not proper to speak. When we were kids our parents would wash our mouths out with soap if we said such words. Having a foul mouth is not something to be proud of. Some words are not supposed to be said. Refrain from vulgar words.

4. Think before you speak: It is very important that before mouthing words, they must have gone through a process in your mind. Ask yourself these questions,

T – is it true?
H – is it helpful?
I – is it inspiring?
N – is it necessary?
K – is it kind?

If what you are about to say does not pass this simple test, then don’t say it. Think before you speak.

5. Communicate in a positive way often: There are always positive phrases that can convey your thoughts and feelings about something. When you use these phrases, notice how others respond to you and your requests, and how much more helpful they are. Don’t give up if you aren’t having success with this at first. Any new positive habit requires practice to become effective. Stay positive in your mind. Stay positive with words.

So remember, although “using your words wisely” may be a common phrase, following this advice can truly change your life. The words you must wisely choose will have a profound effect on your life experiences. Once you know and understand this connection between your heart and your words, you have the power to live a better life — one filled with good and encouraging words. Your tongue is a weapon, shoot in the right direction.