How well is Your Tongue Trained?

In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah says, “The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might now how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” (Isaiah 50:4) Can we say the same thing about our own tongue?

Many of us are better at aggravating the weary than rousing them with words of goodness. So many times we get fixated on what is wrong with ourselves, our friends, or our job that we forget to thank God for the blessings in our lives. Our words are like “sword thrusts” (Proverbs 12:18) instead of a “tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4).

Christ’s Words from the Cross

Our blessed Savior suffered much more immensely than we ever will and yet he did not complain. Instead his last words from the cross are filled with mercy, forgiveness and trust in God. These beautiful words were a great consolation to Mary and John as they stood at the foot of the Cross. These seven words are still as powerful today as they were then. By them the good thief received eternal life and the Church received its Mother.

Training the Tongue

We all want to be like Christ and to offer forgiveness when we are wronged, but in the moment it can be hard to speak charitably. What can we do? Before speaking, offer a quick prayer to Jesus, such as “Jesus help me.”

It is also helpful to memorize Bible verses that speak of the correct use of the tongue. One of my favorites is Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard, Lord, before my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Besides defending against the improper use of the tongue, we should intentionally use the tongue to glorify God. Go out of your way to compliment a family member or co-worker. Thank someone who has made a profound impact in your life. Tell your family that you love them.

Above all, we should ask Jesus for the grace to use our tongue to glorify Him. When we slip up and gossip or complain, let us go to the Lord in a spirit of humility, ask forgiveness and rise up to try again. As Easter draws near, seek to build up others through your words and share the joy of the Risen Christ with those you meet.