Not many should become teachers,

Because those who teach will be judged;

A greater strictness as preachers,

That some others may have begrudged.

Be not masters knowing that we,

Shall receive great condemnation;

Stumbling in many ways shall be,

Causing you abomination.

If anyone does not stumble,

Then they must be a perfect man;

Be careful as not to mumble,

An understanding that they can.

A horse gets a bridle and bit,

So that they obey and abide;

We must also one that will fit,

For our tongue to help us guide.

A ship will have rudder and sails,

So, the pilot directs its way;

While fish and birds use their tails,

To stay on course without delay.

A small member such as the tongue,

Likes to boast about some great things;

But like the fire it has flung,

Such a destruction that it brings.

The tongue is fire in a world,

Causing your body to be charred;

Allowing the flames to be hurled,

Causes your body to be scarred.

It is such an unrighteous place,

As located behind the lips;

Working together in disgrace,

Forcing out with little quips.

Every kind of beast and bird,

As well as creatures of the sea;

Can be tamed by every word,

That mankind having said to be.

But the tongue no human can tame,

It is full of deadly poison;

For the thoughts of man are the same,

When the mind will become frozen.

The mouth is a blessing and curse,

But these things ought not to be so;

Allowing both things to disperse,

Through the same outlet that they flow.



Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer