KNOW YOUR ENEMY - 3

KNOW YOUR ENEMY – 3

“Your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” (Sun Tzu, The Art of War)

            During a break from my seminary life, I was staying in Chennai City and working. One day as I was traveling in the City Bus, I gave 5 Rupees for the ticket. And the conductor asked me to give the change. The ticket is only Rs. 2.50 at that time. When the conductor asked the change, my reply was, “I don’t have, do you want me to go to the bank and bring the change?” Wow, was that a right answer or right attitude? NO, the answer came from God, he hammered on my head and said this is extra talk or talking too much. Speaking unnecessary words. This event made a deep mark in my mind and heart and helps many times to keep silent or to keep my words limited. And that’s what I am going to share with you today.

3. BAD TALK

"Sin will not be lacking where too many words are spoken; the prudent man controls his tongue." (Proverbs 10:19)

            One of another trick that the evil one uses against us is our mouth. Mouth or tongue or word is one of the thing about which the Bible speaks very much. In an alarming tone the author of the book of Sirach asks in anxiety, "Who will put a guard on my mouth and effectively lock up my lips to prevent me from sinning and my tongue from hastening my ruin?" (Sirach 22:27) “The tongue has power over life and death, those who like speaking will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21)

            Words are very powerful. It can make or break. There are a lots of examples found in the Bible and the History of the world. “Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.” (Proverbs 11:9) “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4) Needless to say from my own experience and believe everyone’s experience is the same that many a time we speak thoughtlessly. “The one who speaks thoughtlessly pierces like a sword; but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Proverbs 12:18) Most of the times our words are not only thoughtless but also useless.

            In most cases we tend to forget that our words are powerful only when we speak less. But unfortunately we tend to talk more.  When do we have loose talk or use useless words? When we are angry: we don’t think what we speak. Even when you are angry think before you talk, because the words you say can be forgiven, not forgotten. Impatient: Impatience grows into bitterness and the words comes out of bitterness always sarcastic and it hurts badly. Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.  Justifying: In a vehemence of justifying ourselves we use a lot of words, if you don’t find words we repeat the same again and again. ‘Never explain yourself. Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it.’ (Belgicia Howell) So, why waste your words in that? ‘Those who lack the courage will always find a philosophy to justify it’ (Albert Camus). Accuse or blame others: We find all possible bad words to destroy the reputation of others especially in their absence. One of my resolution after a retreat was not to speak about someone in their absence. This can also be known as gossip, but accusation is worse than gossip. Gossip and lying: If gossip destroys the reputation of others, lying destroys the reputation of our own self. "Cursed be the gossiper with his spiteful tongue. He has destroyed many who lived peacefully." (Sirach 28:13)  

          When we talk much we listen less, when we listen less we understanding less, when we understand less we make mistakes, when we make mistakes either we are stressed or frustrated both ruins our life. An important thing that devil uses in this modern era for this bad talk or gossip is the social media especially facebook. Anonymity makes them comfortable to spill the venomous words on those whom they hate. No censor in the media and everyone has to swallow it. Posting all kinds of useless talks and emotions and gossips fills the timeline status everyday.

            Let us not forget what Jesus said, “Say yes when you mean yes and say no when you mean no. Anything else you say comes from the devil.” (Matthew 5:37) And St. Paul will remind us again “Let your yes be yes and your no be no, lest you become liable for judgment.” (James 5:12)

“If you are young, speak if you have to, but not more than twice and only if requested. Keep to the point and say it all in a few words.” (Sirach 32:7-8)

“Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.” (Proverbs 13:3)

SPEAK ONLY WHEN OUR WORDS ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN SILENCE.