Tongue Tied

In Proverbs 10:19-20 we read “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. NIV

St. Benedict wrote: “…where your tongue goes, the heart follows. If you curse others, your life will be cursed. If you bless others your life will be blessed.”

Do we ever stop to listen, really listen to the words that come out of our mouths? Do we really listen to the manner in which they are spoken? Jesus told us that we can kill with our words. "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22 NIV

How often have we “killed” a heart, a soul, a life because of the words we have said about someone or to someone?

Poem Entitled: "Thou Shall not Kill"
Yesterday I killed my son's joy,
In the victory of his team,
I complained about his dirty clothes
And that ripped seam.
The day before I killed my daughter's prides
In the dress she had made,
I pointed out its faults,
Then added my faint praise.
One day I killed a friendship
And affection turned to hate,
I misunderstood her motive,
Until it was too late.
Today I killed my husband's love,
Not with a mighty blow.
It died bit by bit;
Year by year-so slow.
First I robbed him of his pleasures,
In those simple satisfactions
Oh, he had no self-confidence
And few worthwhile ambitions
I wounded him with cruel jibes,
When others too might hear,
I thought his wince of pain,
Was just unmanly fear.
Tonight I saw the light of love,
Die slowly in his look.
When he reached toward me his hand,
But I picked up my book.
God restore to me this man,
And teach me to love and understand.