Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Reflection 28: It is a Mark of Wisdom When You Can Discern the Difference Between Teasing and Hurting

Thank You for Remembering That No Joke is Worth the Laugh if It Comes at the Expense of Your Wife's Feelings.
Some men have tongues sharper than a new saw blade, but their perception is dull as an old axe. With misplaced jests they can cut another's self-esteem deeply, only to excuse the damage by saying, "Hey, I was only kidding." A laugh at another person's expense really isn't funny, especially to the person who just paid the price for it. Sometimes it can be hurtful and humiliating. That's why I so appreciate the fact that you consider my feelings before speaking. You know my most vulnerable areas and avoid them. You understand that teasing that pokes fun at harmless foibles even I can laugh at, but hurting crosses the line into discomfort. Thank you for knowing where the line is and for keeping a loving distance from it.

'God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue.' ~Thomas Watson

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

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