“The tongue,” what we say and how we say it, is treated in the Christian New Testament. We’re supposed to use language carefully and thoughtfully. One element of thoughtful speech is a comprehension of what you say before you say it. Get your facts straight…speak truth…know what you’re talking about before you fill the world with wordy ignorance. I wrote the following from an elementary school memory in my own life. Maybe you know someone who has had a similar experience.
Four Letter Word
“I learned a new word in school today, Mom.”
Then and right there I dropped the bomb.
I thought it sounded funny at first,
but Mom looked like she was about to burst.
Her face turned red as she caught her breath;
she appeared to be in the throes of death,
but, regaining composure, she rose from her chair,
lowered her eyes in a sinister stare:
“Who told you that word? Give me his name!”
I said, “Listen, Mom, if it’s all the same,
I’ll just say ‘I’m sorry” and we’ll let it go;
I really don’t want my friend to know
that I ratted her out. She’s a very good friend
and I don’t want our friendship to come to an end.”
Mom’s eyes got wide as she clutched her chest.
It was then I decided it might be best
to tell the truth at the cost of a friend,
and so with hope and a prayer and a sheepish grin,
I said to Mom: It was Mary Lynn.
“What!”, she exclaimed. That sweet young thing!
Sit down while I give her mother a ring.”
Well, long story short, Mary Lynn and I
made a pact and said we hoped to die
if ever again our mothers heard
the sound of that colorful four-letter word.
I still don’t know what it means.
Know what you’re talking about before you say it. Speak truth with compassion. Language, and how we use it, is so important in this diverse and divided world.
Shining Spirit 
My Mother would have added – ‘Now go to your room and sit there all alone and just wait until your Father gets home!’