By Mark Edward Chard, with a little help from my cheeky twin soul, Darren...
“Lord, make my words as sweet as honey, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”
Anonymous“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”
Proverbs 21:23 (NKJV)“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
Just yesterday, I told my mother her new haircut was 'bold' when I really meant 'a complete and utter tragedy.' The ensuing silence was so thick, you could spread it on toast. I spent the rest of the conversation mentally chewing on the word 'bold.' I swear, the aftertaste was worse than burnt popcorn!
You ever say something and immediately wish you could stuff it back in your mouth, like trying to un-toast bread?
Yeah. Me too.
And I can almost hear Darren laughing from heaven every time it happens.
He’ll say, “Well done, big bro, another fine verbal car crash!”
Those moments hang in the air like awkward confetti.
Everyone in the room is silently wondering, “Did he really just say that out loud?”
If words were boomerangs, some of mine would’ve come back and smacked me square in the forehead.
If only we could invent a spiritual “unsend” button for the mouth, or better still, a heavenly remote. It’d need a 'Pause' button for when your brain is still booting up, a 'Rewind' for when you realize what you just said, and a massive 'Mute' for Monday mornings. I'd need the whole thing bolted to my wrist, just to be safe.
"But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” — James 3:8 (NKJV)
The tongue might be small, but it’s mighty.
It’s the only muscle that can bless your neighbour and start a row over dinner in under 30 seconds.
Darren used to say, “The tongue’s like a credit card — easy to use, hard to pay off!”
And he wasn’t wrong.
It can comfort a crying soul, or it can flatten a friendship.
It can sing praises to God on Sunday, then by Monday it’s giving out road rage reviews that would make a sailor blush, all because someone dared to use a turning signal. The whiplash of moving from 'Hallelujah' to 'What in the world are you doing?!' is truly impressive.
That’s why Proverbs says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
Pretty serious stuff for something smaller than a toothbrush.
🗣️ The Gossip Gym (Where Sins Get a Workout)
Let’s be honest, gossip is the original junk food for the soul.
It’s crispy, salty, and oh-so-tempting. “I’m not one to gossip, but…”
And there it is, the spiritual equivalent of lighting a match in a fireworks factory.
When a short explanation will do, we give the full documentary.
When a secret should stay buried, someone digs it up and polishes it like treasure.
And suddenly, what was once trust becomes tomorrow’s headline.
But when we betray a confidence, we’re not just hurting them, we’re bruising our own spirit too.
Reputation sticks tighter than chewing gum on a church pew.
And Darren used to joke, “You can’t polish a bad tongue, Mark. You’ve got to sanctify it!”
"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” — Proverbs 20:19 (NIV)
⚖️ Reputation: Fragile, Handle with Care
Once that “loose-lipped” label lands on you, it’s hard to shake.
You can pray for forgiveness, and God’s grace will cover it, but people’s memories aren’t always so kind.
I’ve learned that from both sides of the fence.
Sometimes I’ve spoken too soon, and other times I’ve been the one hurt by a careless word.
But you know what Darren always reminds me from heaven?
“Words can’t be unsaid, bro, but they can be redeemed.”
Because God’s laundry service is still open — 24/7, no judgement, free of charge.
He takes our dirty laundry (sins, slip-ups, gossip, grumbles) and washes them whiter than snow, even the stuff we’d rather hide behind the sofa.
💬 Mouth Management — Heaven’s Edition
Here are a few practical lessons I’m learning (with Darren chuckling over my shoulder as I write):
- 🕊️ Before you speak, ask: “Would I still say this if Jesus and Darren were sitting right here?” (Spoiler: they always are.)
- 🤐 When in doubt, zip it. Silence never needs an apology.
- 🙏 Never disguise gossip as a “prayer request.” God’s not fooled, and the angels roll their eyes.
- 💛 Compliment more than you correct. It makes the world gentler.
- 🌱 Remember: Your words are seeds. Sow kindness, and you’ll grow peace.
🔔 The Tongue Test
Great minds talk about ideas.
Average minds talk about things.
Small minds talk about people.
And wise minds talk to God first.
If only we paused more often before speaking — just long enough for heaven to whisper, “Is that really worth saying?”
So the next time your tongue itches to run ahead of your brain, take a breath, smile, and remember:
The Holy Spirit invented the “mute button” long before Zoom did.
✝️ Meditate on These Words
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” — Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV)
💭 Reflection Prompt
Think back to a moment when words either healed or hurt you.
How did that experience shape the way you speak to others today?
Ask God to give you His wisdom before you speak — so your words bring healing, not harm.
😇 Final Thought (from Darren, naturally, who’s already filed for a halo extension due to my behavior)
"If you’re gonna eat your words, mate, at least season them with grace.”