Taming the Tongue by Jeff Robinson
You and I have never spoken a neutral word before. Whenever we move our lips, we tread a fine line between uplifting others and tearing them down with what we say and how we say it. Our maturity is tied to the degree to which we can bridle our tongue.
In Taming the Tongue, Jeff Robinson reminds us that when we meet our Maker, we will have to account for every word we think, say, or write. Words can be used, either intentionally or carelessly, to elevate ourselves, usually at the expense of others. Patterns of speech like gossip and slander are easy to call out because they openly speak poorly about someone else. But, at times, our seemingly innocent comments can be laced with subtle virtue signaling. If we speak the truth not to make ourselves look better but to genuinely help others grow, what would the world look like today?
Robinson also rightly points out the need to apply the same self-control in speech to written communication, especially on the internet. By providing anonymity, the internet removes the need to account for what we share online. Even when we publish using our real name, we tend to share our opinions without putting in the necessary critical thinking. As Robinson puts it, ‘thoughts need time to mature, words need time to be carefully crafted, ideas and views need careful study and close scrutiny’. To navigate today’s digitally connected world, we need more wisdom and even more grace.
This leads to my next point, which could have been emphasised in the book: the importance of extending grace to others when they fail. Sometimes, people hurt with their words because of their struggles or lack the skills to express themselves in a way that conveys what they truly feel. Acknowledging that we are all a work in progress is not an excuse for bad behaviour, but a recognition of our common humanity—that we are still learning how to love and relate to both others and ourselves well.