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Confession of a Verbal Assassin
I’m finally learning the value of biting my tongue.
I’m trying to apply what I’ve learned.
I don’t have to win the argument.
I don’t have to prove I’m right.
I don’t have to have the last word,
Or, the best word,
Or, the most pointed word,
Thereby nailing my victim to the wall.
Pressing my points produces injuries.
Victims build walls,
Retreat – to heal wounds.
If I’m really right,
They may or may not know it.
But God knows it.
And sometimes, I’ll know it.
And that’s enough.
© 2019 gratefulsue
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This poem really captures my life as a teenager, and somewhat as an adult. I hope I’ve improved some over the years! There is no honor in being a verbal assassin… “Thereby nailing my victim to the wall” with my words.” The image of a dart-board is so apropos for this bad habit.
If you struggle with this character flaw, the next time you are in a verbal sparring match, try to remember Paul’s words in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV). “the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” If I care about the Holy Spirit controlling my life, I must be willing to control my tongue.