That butcher knife

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3.8-9

Lately, I have been reminded of this verse. The part that especially gouges me is the “restless” part.

I have noticed as a dad how much our children notice every dagger that comes forth from our mouth. The sharper the dagger the more intent their focus especially if it is about someone that they know. If it is something that is more positive that cannot be recalled as easily. Our flesh loves something mean, spiteful, vengeful, and wickedly delicious about someone. It is even more entertaining to share that something with someone else.

The point of why I am saying this is that our children are mimicking our lives. We are to train them in the ways of God even though when not careful we are training them toward becoming like the world.

Our tongues are razor-sharp and can cut deep. We should be careful with our tongues so as not to gossip, complain, grumble and gripe. We should make sure that our mouths are enhancing like salt not cutting like a knife.
Be careful with your mouth. People are listening, especially little ones who share your home and last name.