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Taming the Tongue
Rolando P. Nagtalon Jr.
Class of 2002, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
B. S. Industrial Engineering
A wise person speaks because he has something to say while on the other hand, a fool speaks so he could just
say something. We should learn how to tame our tongues. A very small part of the body but it can ruin
everything in us. A small fire can burn a whole house if not controlled. What I’m saying is that, if we start telling
a lie and saying that we will correct it when the right times comes, then another thing happened related to our
lie, then we must add another lie to support it. It’s has this domino effect on us that might get us in bondage
and eventually we can no longer escape from. It will destroy our relationships, our plans and our endeavours.
Controlling the tongue is not as easy as one, two, and three. It needs dedication and sacrifices. We are used to
use our mouth to speak and so as the tongue. I can give three suggestions on how to tame our tongues.
One is that, think first if what you are about to say is true. Being honest is a real big help in starting a good
relationship. Ask yourself if this thing really happened and I would like to impress them or am I just going to say
this because I want to impress them.
Second, think if what you are about to say will benefit others. Never take out of our minds the benefits of other
people from us. We should be selfish of only thinking about ourselves for anything that we will do or say.
Third, think if you will say these things, will it make you grow as a person or will it boost your confidence and
things like that. Not that if it will put you on the highest pedestal; that’s absurd. Think if what you are about to
say will gain you positive characteristics.
If you will notice, taming the tongue is all about thinking first. Being tactless and blunt are two totally different
things. They must not be interchanged if you want to get a good result. If this is done accordingly, you will gain
a good reputation.
If we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself. It is really hard to tame the tongue. It will
take time but we can do it. Isn’t it that if we want something so badly, we put everything in it? It’s just the
same in here, if we want to have a tamed tongue that could help us gain a reputable position, and then we
must exert effort.
A man who speaks the truth is valued more. An honest answer is more like of a kiss on the lips, very truthful
and sweet.
I have heard this in a sermon, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
Question for discussion:
1. How do you define honesty?
2. Do you think before you speak?
3. What other characteristics can we get from being honest?
4. Do you have any other idea on how we can control our tongue?
5. What are the possible causes of lying?