From James 3:5-6: “How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Children sometimes hearing these words
Sticks and stones may break someone’s bones
But, cruel words shall not hurt thee
Sadly, words can harm like thrown stones
Taming his rough tongue, mankind fails
Harsh words lash out, crushing others
Steers life toward ominous clouds
Disrespecting earthly brothers
Mothers teaching, “Now bite your tongue”
How often must we all forget?
Allowing words to run amuck
Their cold misdeeds, sin’s rising debt
Practice daily, Christ’s “Golden Rule”
Taming tongue, words chosen rightly
No longer curse, but life’s blessing
Words count, so use them politely
From James 3:10-12: “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.”
Big Sky Buckeye 
Things would’ve do much better if everyone obeyed the Golden Rule ❤️
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Amen and amen!
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Words indeed can hurt! Following the ‘golden rule’ is great advice!
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Susan, thanks for sharing. Wish I could send this poem to millions . . . right now. Instead, I will continue to write and encourage others. May God continue to nurture your artistic gifts.
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Words can hurt indeed! And put scars on our brothers or sisters, even families. May we all use our words for good and edification. Love this poem. 🙂
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Renee, thanks for sharing your affirmation of this poem. Behind our words needs to be the supportive structure of sharing kindness.
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Kind words are so important, they heal … harsh words will boomerang back!
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A true Australian! I find conviction for those kind words so they don’t “boomerang back.”
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ok Cannuk … that will cost you one maple syrup pancake please 🙂
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There is some maple syrup harvested in northeastern Ohio. It’s all yours as I pretty much avoid pancakes and syrup because of my sugars and carbs.
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aha how very generous of you gifting things you don’t like 🙂
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I saw a great quote that stuck with me, although I don’t remember who wrote it or where I saw it… “Lord, let my words be sweet, as I may have to eat them tomorrow”. Ain’t that the truth? 😁
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Thanks so much for reading and sharing. These words are definitely filled with truth!
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Our words will be our legacy. When I think of my deceased father, I recall his words.
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Elaine, thanks so much for sharing the wisdom of your father. These are indeed very special words.
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You’re welcome
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