WISE WORDS
A teacher placed
three similar models of a man and a flexible wire near them on a table. He then
asked his students to examine the models and identify the one which represents
the best human nature. The students studied the models for a long time. One of
them found that there were holes in the ears and mouth of every model. He
introduced the flexible wire into the perforations in each ear of the three
models. They gave different results.
The wire introduced into either ear of the
first model came out through its other ear. The wire that went through either ear of the
second model came out through its mouth. The wire introduced into the ears of
the third model entered the head but did not come out. The boy interpreted the
observations intelligently. The teacher was impressed by his interpretations
and his colleagues were enlightened.
The first model
represents an indifferent man. He hears much but does not retain anything in
his mind. He fails to benefit from the words of others. He makes no
contribution to others.
The second model is
of a talkative person who talks without sense about everything he hears. He
does not exercise any restraint and so may talk unnecessarily and end in
trouble. He may talk ill of others and spread gossips without verifying the
truth in what he hears from others. Without a judicious and intelligent control
of his words and opinions he is sure to create enemies and harm the reputation
of others around him. Words can be like swords and wound others.
The third person gathers information from his surroundings but
intelligently analyses the data and speaks out only what is essential and true.
He will not hurt the feelings of others by his words. He will be acceptable to
all. He will be a peace-maker. If necessary, he may correct others with his wise words, without wounding them.
"It is foolish to speak scornfully of others. If you are sensible,
you will keep quiet. No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you
can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy" {Proverbs 11: 12, 13}.
St. Paul advises, "Do not use harmful words, but only helpful
words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say
will do good to those who hear you" {Ephesians 4: 29}. "Your speech should always be pleasant and
interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone"
{Colossians 4: 6}.
St. James teaches, "Just think how large a forest can be set on
fire by a tiny flame! And the tongue is like a fire" {James 3: 5,6}.
The Psalmist prays,
"May my words and my thought be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and
my redeemer"{Psalms 19: 14}.
"Lord, place a guard at my mouth, a sentry at the door of my lips"
{Psalms 141: 3}.
...........................................................................................................
© By: Dr. Babu Philip,
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof.
Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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