Is controlling my tongue enough? No, but it certainly marks important progress. Of course it is possible to control (at least for the moment) the tongue but still have evil thoughts an attitudes. However, reining in the tongue though the heart is contaminated with anger begins to address that inner problem. You see, choosing calm, gentle words has a wonderful effect on hearts. Sometime when you’re angry or disturbed, try a soft answer. I have tried this approach, and it works!

“A soft answer turneth awath wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

When I am angry, do I lash out with words or do I choose a soft answer instead?

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3) — Is that a comfort or a threat to me?

How readily (and how frequently) do I verbally highlight another’s good?

What happens to relationships when I show up?

When my words enter another, what effect do they have within him?

from Proverbs 15:4