sticks and stones may break my bones and words do harm me.

God really does have a sense of humor when it comes to teaching us a lesson of life, for life. Jesus referred to his teachings as parables, now the Holy Spirit, our teacher, is still teaching us in parables.

I'm referring to one of the times when I was in "a place called strait" and I was an emotional wreck, having a pity party, complaining, running my mouth about others. Then suddenly the Holy Spirit came to my party. He was the only one but He came and began to teach me. This is what He said: Read Ephesians 4:29-30. I did and this is what it said. Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such (speech) as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it. Would you say that was a word fittly spoken in my case? Indeed it was.

The Holy Spirit said the key word here is foul. Morally or spiritually it is to be detestable or obstructive.

The parable is about a basketball game. Can you believe this? God is so funny.He explained it this way.

A player is driving downcourt toward the other end to make a goal. Then one from the opposing team charges into him or slaps an arm, whatever he can do to stop the one with the ball from making a goal. "So". you say. "That is what he is trained to do." That is correct for basketball but no so in real life.

When we talk about others, find fault , put them down (usually to make us feel good), we are in the wrong.  For instance, an acquaintance has worked hard to reach a goal whether in the market place or in the church. He is about to reach that goal and we may feel cheated so we express our opinion even if others do not want to hear it. The person does not make the goal because we have fouled him/her with our mouth. We caused them to feel bad toward us and our words are detestable to them. We have become an obstruction to their progress.

As the Holy Spirit spoke this to me I had to repent and I promised God and myself I would never again be-little another person, speak against another because the guilt of stopping them from reaching their goal is not very comfortable. That one little word, "foul" is a very strong word.

At times like this I always think of the little song we sang as children: Be careful little ears what you hear, Be careful little eyes what you see, Be careful little mouth what you say. Although this song was written for children it would be a wise thing if we adults would do the same. After all Jesus told us that "unless you become as little children..." You know the rest. So let's be careful and let our conversation edify, exhort and comfort.

Be blessed..........Evie