5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
This is fitting with the quick to listen slow to speak theme that has been striking me this week. The illustrations in this chapter used to draw parallels to the tongue are great. This particular one with the spark struck me because it illustrates how long after me and my tongue have left a conversation a brief word spoken can turn into a burning fire of destruction.
It would never be my intention, but I know I am always playing the devils advocate which can be interpreted as being negative--who knows when I have said something that was frustrating or hurtful to someone and left them burning inside with frustration or anger that could have been avoided if I was slower to speak or chose words more carefully.
Quick to listen, slow to speak
knut
I completely agree......I sometimes do the same thing to people.
ReplyDeleteHere's another line that I like.
16 "for where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
That one really hits me. I have a LOT of selfish ambition........