Tongues cause trouble all through life:
words bring peace or stir up strife,
cheer or sadden, hurt or heal:
inward state of soul reveal.
Men remember what I say,
and I need to often pray,
ask my Saviour, Guardian-Lord,
to forgive a careless word.
Let my words be few and wise,
calm, controlled, and free from lies;
let me not conceal intent
by kind words I have not meant.
Words and winks can tempt and draw
others to ignore God’s law;
gossip’s words will cast a stain,
and the slur will long remain.
Do not love in words alone:
by your deeds you will be known:
kindly acts and gracious tongue
show a work of grace begun.
Tame my tongue, and teach it, Lord
from the counsel of your Word.
Cleanse my heart, so that it may
guide my tongue in what to say.
Comments
Linda Wigzell Cress | July 27, 2012 - 22:57
Much truth in this Rhiannon, nicely expressed.
Linda
Rhiannonw | July 27, 2012 - 23:41
Thank you, Linda. Glad you found it so. We all need help, and reminders with our tongues! Rhiannon
Silver Spun Sand | July 28, 2012 - 07:53
As always with your work, Rhiannon, you make the reader stop and think. You did just this, here, and I thank you for it;-)
Tina
Rhiannonw | July 28, 2012 - 09:19
Thank you too for letting me know of your appreciation, Tina. warm regards, Rhiannon
Rhiannonw | July 28, 2012 - 22:44
Glad this has been allocated a cherry! Rhiannon
Mark Heathcote | July 29, 2012 - 01:53
The first stanza speaks so much truth as do the others but that was my first pick; though I love it all.
Rhiannonw | July 29, 2012 - 09:06
Thank you, Mark, for telling me. Glad you thought it helpful. Rhiannon
skinner_jennifer | July 29, 2012 - 14:48
Hi there Rhiannon,
I totally agree with all the sentiments behind this
well written poem.
Very wise words and deserved of the cherries.
Jenny.
Rhiannonw | July 29, 2012 - 15:28
Thank you very much for your comment, Jenny, and I'm so glad you empathised with these thoughts. regards, Rhiannon
sid | July 29, 2012 - 17:43
I thought this perfectly put together; it reads as though it's been around for centuries. An instant classic!
Rhiannonw | July 29, 2012 - 20:18
I did write it a little while ago (though some editing), but not 100 years ago! I am glad you thought it captivated the points well. Thank you for saying so.
Rhiannon