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I’ve often been told that I talk too much and have a short fuse when I’m challenged. A few years ago, during a session at Fontainebleau Treatment Center in Mandeville, I reacted ungodly to a client who had a negative attitude and was disrespectful.

As Jeanne and I were on our way home, she shared something with me that she had read in the Bible that morning. It was Proverbs 17:27-28, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”

I immediately asked, “Why do you think it’s necessary to tell me that?”

“I just thought you might like it.”

Jeanne is not the type to hurt me or anyone, but she has a way of getting a message across. That night she used God’s Word to let me know that I didn’t respond in a Christian way.

The Bible says in James 3:7-8, “For every kind of beast and bird, or reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

In my lifetime, my tongue has caused me many problems in school, the military, politics, employment, and my family. I don’t seem to know when to keep quiet.

I pray that I can be more conscious of Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Being a Christian, with the Bible as my guide and Christian fellowship, one would think I could respond in any situation as Jesus would. Maybe I should remember the words from one of my favorite songs, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.”

If you have any questions or comments please write to Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, or call (985) 652-8477.