Dr Paul Allen

Tongues spew forth!!  (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” ( Proverbs 10:19 ) The book of Proverbs has much wise counsel concerning the use of the tongue . It contains, for example, no less than 27 sober warnings against speaking lies! There are also at least eight condemnations of gossiping. For example: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (11:13). Then there are warnings against using the tongue to criticize, or to slander, or to hurt. A good example is in 12:18: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health,” and also in 18:8: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Too much talking is also dangerous, as our text for the day points out, for it often results in sin. In this connection, one of the most picturesque proverbs is the foll...

As We Forgive (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Five Ways to Start Forgiving Right Now  1. Pray for the person who wounded you . Ask God for insight and understanding into this person’s life and for the situation you’re challenged with.  2. Look the offending person in the eye, say hello, and offer a compliment . It’s easier to hold on to grudges and hard feelings when you pretend the other person doesn’t exist. It’s not as easy when you have to be reminded they’re human just like you. Whether they respond in kind doesn’t matter. What matters is what you do.  3. Do the right thing . Whether someone is willing to meet you halfway or not, do what is right and don’t worry about what the other person is doing or not doing.   4. Be OK with what you’ve got . Sometimes problems develop because our expectations are higher than what someone else is willing to give or be. When you’ve done what you can to bring a relationship closer, but there’s no movement from...