Impetuous Tongue

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.