Tuesday’s Musings: Spell Check and Sharp Tongues

Also used 5/7/19
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Many years ago people would call people on the phone to exchange information.  Now we text, post, or e-mail others.  It is quicker and more convenient.  However it opens the door for all kinds of misunderstanding.  For one thing just one incorrect letter can change the whole meaning of the message.  People often send me church bulletin bloopers.  Here are a couple of them: "The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir."  Another: “Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.”   Sometimes the spell-check feature will make helpful corrections or sometimes they make things worse. The moral – proofread before hitting “send” or “print”!  We need to do that when we speak, too.  How often a careless word causes hurt feelings.  As a relative used to say, “It’s best to put our mind into gear before we put our tongue into motion.”

Holy God, help us to communicate with others in ways that are helpful, not hurtful.  In all our communications may kindness and clarity prevail.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a good day,
Paige