With the rash of individuals sharing their controversial opinions in the media, tongues are ruining the lives of once prominent Americans. Donald Sterling isn’t the first or last to do so as Jimmy the Greek’s of today have been shown the door, with bosses caving into peer pressure from sponsors and civil rights groups to fire anyone who is politically incorrect. Unfortunately, these souls didn’t listen to mothers who proclaimed, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!”
I guess you can say the old adage applies, “you’re your own worst enemy.” By opening your mouth at the wrong place or the wrong time, you might be the next Riley Cooper, caught on video with a racial slur. Whether its alcohol, anger or impatience, the mouth is full of poison waiting for the right trigger to explode, James 3:5. Without zipping your lip or shutting your trap, ruin will fall on those who don’t practice prudence and temperance.
According to King David, God will allow tongues to destroy anyone who plots injustice in their hearts and minds, Psalm 64:6. Despite the cunning schemes of mankind, the Lord will let human beings destroy themselves with their words, Psalm 64:7-8. God will have the last laugh when tongues of ruin will bring about justice. The next time you have an urge to gossip, slander or trash someone’s reputation, remember David’s warning by practicing self-control. If you don’t, you might make the grapevine for the wrong reason.
by Jay Mankus
