Happy Sabbath Everyone!

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" Growing up, my mother used this phrase more than she probably should have needed to. Unfortunately, my siblings and I tended to get into verbal tussles that escalated to the point of her intervention. These words were her way of silencing the arguing, while also instructing us in the need to change how we use our tongue. I dare say that many of us could share stories, either as a parent or a child, where these words were spoken.  

In truth, there is a lot of wisdom in such a simple phrase. As a child, I did not fully comprehend the meaning, and even as an adult I have failed to learn this lesson the way I should.

One of the principles we can draw out is the fact that a word, once said, cannot be un-said. If we say unkind things, we may later regret it and try to make things right. Even if forgiveness takes place, there is still knowledge of what was said. This permanence of our speech is very sobering.

The book of James describes how powerful our tongues are (James 3:1-12).  Through our tongue can be found a "world of iniquity," with the ability to destroy all life (James 3:6)! The damage that can be done to others as well as ourselves, emphasizes our need to control our tongue. This certainly means removing any negative use of our lips. To realize that every syllable that passes through our lips (or fingers in today's tech savvy world) is not only unchangeable, but will affect our lives and the lives around us, is almost enough to make you give up talking altogether. However, that is not what God would have us do.

Rather than remain completely silent, we should be seeking to have our words be nourishing, and helpful. The task is immense, and no one will do this perfectly, but just as negative uses of the tongue cause tremendous harm, when we use our tongue the right way it can have profound and positive impact.

Perhaps, we hear a lot in the Church about the negative uses of the tongue and not enough about the positive. Here is a list of some positive uses that I keep in the margins of James the third chapter: Praise, compliment, singing, encouragement, support, prayer, counseling, gratitude, inspiration, comfort, teaching, preaching, conversation, wisdom, blessing. I pray that we are making a conscious effort to use our tongue in these forms.

Our mothers were right! We should be controlling our speech so that our words are nice. Even more so, the words we speak should be life giving. The more we use our tongues for positive influence, we will become like a spring delivering fresh water (James 3:12). This means we will be a benefit to others and our own lives as well (Psalm 34:12-14).

Have a wonderful and edifying Sabbath!

Devin Schulz