Have you ever said something rude about another person? Maybe trash talked another person. Have you been in public and you said to the person you are with, “Look at that man over there. Oh my, I cannot believe he would go out looking like that!” I think I might have done that a couple of times. I was taught though; if you can’t say anything nice do not say anything at all. I do not know when this concept changed but it has. It is as if now days you can say anything you want—because you have a right to say it. Yet, just because you “think something in your mind” does not give you the right to say what is on your mind. It is called being rude, mean, a gossiper. Someone, who talks eagerly and casually about other people, by spreading rumors, half-truths, or hurtful things. The Bible even addresses this. Proverbs 15:4 reads, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Then James 1:26 states, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Just because you can say something, does not give you permission, or the right to say it. As people of God, we are called to be wise with our words. It is something to think about. It is something we all need to do. God Bless. Amen.