There's Hope For TodaySample

Idle talkers take no thought for the damage they do. Twisted values feed destructive behaviors that destroy families, churches, businesses, and friendships. Tearing down is cheap. “A monkey with a match can destroy more in an hour than a thousand wise men can build in a year,” said Clovis Chappell. The Chicago fire was started in a shed by a cow.

I’ve seen bigger fires started in churches by fools. I helped put out a fire like that last week, but there wasn’t much to salvage. A year invested in rebuilt trust was smoked with a bit of slander followed by a lie. The arsonist was caught, but I doubt if she will ever stop playing with matches. Some people just can’t resist a tasty bit of gossip.

Every Christian should think before they speak. Our words should build (Ephesians 4:29). They should reflect value and beauty. Proverbs speaks of the wise “storing up” knowledge. We would be a healthier people if our storehouses were full and carefully guarded by discretion.

You don’t have to say everything you know. A little bit of self-editing will keep you from disaster. A foolish word invites a firestorm.