Okay, someone has just given you a hard time at work and you have had just about enough, so what is the first inclination you have? If you are like me, it is to get in their face and give them a piece of my mind. Or there is that someone in the office who is the burr under everyone’s saddle and someone speaks poorly of them and everyone who hears knows that words spoken, while mean-spirited, have enough truth in them, that what do we want to do? We want to pile on and add our own derogatory words to affirm the point. Why is it that getting stuff off our chest and speaking out can sometimes feel relieving, when in truth, we are only hurting someone else and our own reputations? It’s like those words that get exclaimed are like moments of instant gratification that feel good for now but hurt for a long time afterward. The world is full of working professionals who but for a few words poorly chosen, or words misspoken, would have enjoyed a long and esteemed career, but careers were cut short for the meanly said or inappropriate words. There are too many examples to list and we all have our own examples to describe. Not mouthing off is a discipline and one that must be daily reminded and practiced. If we want our reputations to be that of someone who others see a reflection for the glory to God, then we can start with ensuring that the words that come from our mouths are the right words. Peter tells us this in 1 Peter 3:9-10; “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. This is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the scriptures say, ‘If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies.” God is saying, if you are one of mine, then take the high road and don’t above all else, mouth off!

Reference: 1 Peter 3:9-10 (New Living Testament)