by Vickie Presley
People can often be found talking about other people’s personal business or matters in the office, in the hallway, on the phone, or on social media. When chatting with others, it is easy to determine what you might have in common. The tongue, of course! Yes, everyone has a tongue. It is a muscular organ in the mouth that is covered with moist, pink tissue called mucosa. The tongue is vital for chewing and swallowing food, as well as for speech. Speech. Oh, yes, we speak much, and sometimes herein lies the problem. Oftentimes, we are inconsiderate of others as we use that powerful organ. That powerful organ can build or destroy. In the book of Proverbs we find some powerful advice: Some of us have stubborn tongues (Proverbs 12:15 - “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”); some of us have sharp tongues (Proverbs 12:18 – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”); some of us possess trained tongues (Proverbs 16:23 – “A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.”); while some of us have confident tongues (Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow what a day may bring forth.”); yet, some of us have rebellious tongues (Proverbs 30:11 – “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”). Our goal as Christians should be to have mature tongues (Proverbs 21:23 – “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”). The tongue reflects our true selves. A person with a godly tongue is one with a godly heart. Speak and show kindness to others; for kindness to others is incumbent upon us all. As Leviticus 19:34 explicitly states, “The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.” Also, an unknown author asserts, “A negative mind will never give you a positive life.” Therefore, tame your tongue, and endeavor to speak positively and well about others. I’ve heard people say, “If you cannot say something good, do not say anything at all.” I concur, for the mature tongue is what one desires to represent him or her. As I close, I am reflecting on the hymn, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing…
VICKIE PRESLEY retired in 2016 as Area Superintendent for Volusia County Florida Schools after 36 years as an educator. She is a graduate of Fayetteville State University, Stetson University, and Nova Southeastern University. She spent seven years as a teacher, then served as an administrative assistant and assistant principal. She later became principal of Starke Elementary in DeLand, Galaxy Middle in Deltona, and Campbell Middle in Daytona Beach. Vickie is married to Tyrone Presley and has a daughter and granddaughter.