hammers, nails and sore thumbs

I heard a story once about a man who disciplined his son in such a way, that every time his son said something hurtful to someone he had to hammer a nail into the wood fence nearby their house.

After a while, there was no longer a place to hammer a nail so the son went to him and said "Father, there is no more room for me to carry out my punishment." The father then replied, "Go and remove all the nails." The boy did as he was told and when he was done he looked at the nearly collapsed, hole-ridden fence. He then understood what his father had taught him.

When we use our words to hurt people, we drive nails into their hearts. When we apologize later, we remove the nail but the deep gashes of hurt still remain.

"I said I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue... I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. My heart became hot within me, As I mused the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days: let me know how fleeting I am!" Psalm 39:1-4

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." James 1:26

Yesterday, I nailed my last nail.