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Story
A turtle was living in a pond. Because of the very dry weather, the pond was drying up, and the turtle got out of the pond to ask for help. He saw two ducks passing by and shouted, "Help! Would you please bring me to a pond full of water?" "How can we help you?" asked the ducks. "We are flying in the air and you are swimming in water." "I propose that both of you carry ends of a piece of stick with you by your mouths, " replied the turtle. "Then, I hold on to it at the middle with my mouth. You can then carry me to a pond full of water." "That is a good idea," replied the ducks. "We will help you. But, you must remember not to open your month." So, the ducks carried the turtle across the countryside toward the lake. As they passed over a village, some children looked at them and burst into laughter, "Look! What a funny sight! Two ducks carrying a stick with a turtle holding onto it with his month!" The turtle was angry and opened his mouth to tell them how stupid they were. Once he opened his month, he fell from the sky and crashed to death.
(Story adapted from one attributed to the Buddha)
Comments
We find it difficult to keep our mouths closed or speak rightly when we feel injustice enacted against someone we care for or against us. We think of what to say, and before we know it, say it. Likely, we have more often regretted what we said than judged it wise later, in cases of our reacting to such perceived injustices. Possibly, controlling our tongue, or using speech rightly, is the least mastered art among us humans.
Proverbs 10.11 and 14.3 contrast the mouth of the righteous and that of the wicked:
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. (ESV)
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise will preserve them. (ESV)
Proverbs 12.14 speaks of the natural consequences of wholesome speech and good work:
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. (ESV)
Proverbs 21.23 advises on the relationship between problems in relationships and speech:
If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble. (NLT)
James 1.26 presents a strong message about how the manner of our use of the mouth pertains to the genuineness of our religion:
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (NLT)
Psalm 19.14 provides a fitting prayer for each of us, in light, especially, of our propensity to misuse the tongue:
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (NLT)
Reflection
In what ways do you misuse speech?
In what ways do you rightly use speech?
Does the wisdom on the use of the tongue also apply to the use of computers or handwriting?
Spiritual Exercise
Begin each day praying the prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD.”
Each morning, dedicate all the members of your body to the use of the Sacred One. Name parts of the body, including the tongue, the ears, the hands, the feet, the brain, the eyes, …
Make sure you have a sacred space in your home for time alone in prayer and spiritual reading.
Make sure you are in a covenant group. For more information on covenant groups, write me at the address below.
Consider, if you are not already, sponsoring a child through Compassion International. You can find out more about Compassion International by going to www.compassion.net to read about sponsoring, in the name of Jesus, children living in poverty. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
Brian’s book An Ache For Union can be purchased at major book dealers.
To contact Brian, write briankwilcox@comcast.net .
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