I spent many hours on Lake Michigan fishing for rainbow trout and salmon. There were three of us that generally fished together and over the course of many years we each took our turn owning a boat to fish out of.
The boats were old and well used. One aluminum boat had several rivets missing in the hull. We were always taking on water, but the bilge pumps kept us dry. Another boat got a hole punched through the hull while about one mile out. We limped back to port with an escort. I could tell you about many more experiences and maybe a fish story or two.
No matter whose boat we were fishing out of the owner of the boat would spend most of the day sitting at the helm steering the boat. The boat went in whatever direction the captain wanted by simply turning the rudder in that direction.
Our tongues, like the rudder of a ship, are small but very powerful. Words can tear down or build up. Before we speak the Bible tells us to consider what impact our words will have on those who will hear them. We are to pay careful attention that negative speech is not part of our vocabulary. God desires our words to bring blessing, hope, encouragement, and peace to all who are listening.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
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