What Is Said...What Is Written...Watch Your Mouth

There have been quotes from books, lectures, elders' wisdom, and the mouths of babes. The poetic writings, the controversial political voice, and the guides written and spoken by our spiritual leaders all have a voice, and they all speak loudly. Whether bodaciously, outraged, or subtle, we've been conditioned to listen and often repeat what we hear. The whispers, the yells, the songs or catchphrases... we repeat them all. Teachers carefully choose lesson plans; parents monitor what their children watch and hear; social media is monitored... gossip and lies, written and spoken, are repeated.

Yet, do we understand how speaking or oral communication directly affects our lives? A disrupted calm, a lesson learned, conflicting messages, a redirection in one's life... it causes reactions. However, what we say is not always what we do. We've been told "The ways of the tongue," "Watch your mouth," and "What you say..." Once spoken, you can't disguise your words, even if they are not what you meant.

Our response is often connected to our emotions. It renders our opinion beyond inner thoughts to words. We respond openly, forgetting the power of the tongue. Silence is golden, it has power, but it's not often the choice. Taking a moment to digest what we would prefer to respond to immediately can save the need for apologies, explanations, or recanted words. It can save relationships, lead to better understanding, and calm situations.

Silence isn't always golden when you want clarification or to express your viewpoint. However, when we speak or ask questions, we must be prepared for how others receive our communication. Can silence, controlled communication, understanding the outcome of outbursts, rude reactions, or harsh verbiage erase misunderstandings?

The ways of the tongue... what do you say... but please... Watch Your Mouth.