Remedial Discipleship

Remedial Discipleship
MONDAY
Another day of
"Remedial Discipleship 101"
Of holding tongue with
Both hands (so to speak of
Not speaking)
Not to use it as a sword blade
Or fire blaze
Not to use it as
Anti-praise
Not to use it to slash and daze
But to discipline that fleshy member
To bring it to heel, and heal.
Quite a big deal
In view of its seeming size
How full it is of surprise!
TUESDAY
Another day of
"Remedial Discipleship 101"
Of holding tongue with
Both hands (so to speak of
Not speaking)
Not to use it as a sword blade
Or fire blaze
Not to use it as
Anti-praise
Not to use it to slash and daze
But to discipline that fleshy member
To bring it to heel, and heal.
Quite a big deal
In view of its seeming size
How full it is of surprise!
WEDNESDAY
Another day of
"Remedial Discipleship 101"
Of holding tongue with
Both hands (so to speak of
Not speaking)
Not to use it as a sword blade
Or fire blaze
Not to use it as
Anti-praise
Not to use it to slash and daze
But to discipline that fleshy member
To bring it to heel, and heal.
Quite a big deal
In view of its seeming size
How full it is of surprise!
THURSDAY
Another day of
"Remedial Discipleship 101"
....

We often think of what James 3 states regarding the difficulty in taming the tongue, but these selected verses from the book of Proverbs are also apt:

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Proverbs 13:3
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 17:27-28
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.