I used to get in trouble in grade school for talking too much. My fifth-grade teacher called my mom at least a few times for parent-teacher conferences, saying that my mom ought to tell me that she was the teacher and I was not! I guess I saw it was my job to explain to my fellow classmates many things during class time (when I wasn't supposed to, obviously.)

I thought I had grown up since then. I didn't speak up much in college, didn't participate much in class discussion. It probably wasn't out of a mature humility or submissive attitude, rather I think I just wasn't prepared and didn't have anything meaningful to add! Even now, I wish I had more to say in my law classes.

However, the Bible isn't kidding when it says the tongue can be evil and cause a lot of damage. Or rather, the person with the tongue is the evil one and wields it to cause damage. I really haven't changed so much. It can be so subtle at times... like I didn't mean for it to mean what it sounded like... or you're just being sensitive and I really meant something else...or I'm right and you're wrong and I'm going to show you... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry.... I'm sorrry.... I'm sorry....but then, you can't take it back. What's been said has been said.

It was my pride you know, defending myself against the criticism. I had good reasons for saying what I did, after all! I'm on the right side, here! Who are you to tell me that I wasn't careful with my words?!?! In my efforts to prove myself blameless, I hurt that person though. I didn't care about the method, or the words... gosh, didn't I sound persuasive even to my own ears!.... all I wanted was to be vindicated. This was justice!

And in the process, I did some terrible damage. I asked for forgiveness, but I can't take back the words. And they will be ringing between us now.