Not many should become teachers,
Since you know that we will be judged;
Those that want to become preachers,
Should know that others have begrudged.
We all stumble in many ways,
While others are offended;
For anyone that never prays,
Unsure of what is intended.
A bridle bit to steer the horse,
For his whole body to obey;
That He will be staying on course,
Without any intent to stray.
For ships have a tiny rudder,
Directs the ship which way to go;
Harsh winds will cause it to shudder,
In the direction the waves flow.
Even the tongue is a small part,
Although it has great pretensions;
Sometimes disobeying the heart,
Competing with its contentions.
A house fire starts from a flame,
And the tongue can light a fire;
With wrongdoing it will proclaim,
Setting that hell would desire.
Each creature and bird in the air,
Has been subdued by humankind;
Upon this earth that all will share,
Through taming of the human mind.
But no human can tame the tongue,
Full of a poisonous evil;
That the vulgar words can be flung,
Being condoned by the devil.
Therewith we bless God our Father,
But can curse other in His name;
Though we honor Christ our Brother,
We also will speak to point the blame.
The same mouth comes blessings and curse,
But all these things should never be;
Even though we can quote a verse,
Hell fire from the mouth can flee.
Springs are not both bitter and sweet,
Neither can be salty and fresh;
Just as some people lie and cheat,
While they lust after the flesh.
Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer