Walking with the Wise #89: Bite Your Tongue

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.”
—Proverbs 11:12

The two greatest commandments are loving God and loving our neighbor. But how do we love our neighbor? We interact and love them by telling them about Jesus, by helping them in their time of need, and making sure our words and actions match one another in our interaction with them. Remember the words of Jesus,

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire”—Matthew 5:21-22.

We are not to insult or belittle our neighbor, instead we must learn to keep our tongues keeping away from gossip, slander, or words that mock or harm them. Instead, our goal is to build them up in such a way that they see Jesus in us. As Christians, we are to be known by our love, but when our actions are loving and our words are not, there is a disconnect and dirt is cast upon the name of our Lord.

If you are tempted to say something hurtful to your neighbor, bite your tongue. Keep silent and look for other opportunities to build up not tear down.

May the Lord our God, who fashioned our tongues, enable us by His Spirit to speak words that would draw the lost to the Savior so that they too may experience the strong and freeing joy of knowing and being known by Him (cf. Galatians 4:9). Amen.