Restraint

Restraint

It was Thomas Paine who wrote, “these are times that try men’s souls.” Although he penned those words more than two hundred years ago, they speak today. More than a month of sheltered in place is enough to stretch not only the soul but the whole person.

Just as disconcerting is the abundance of pontification on social media and cable news. Unfortunately, we live in a world that is bombarded with opinions that appear to carry the same weight as truth. Accompanying these views there is little to filter their intensity or vulgarity. Have we forsaken common sense and decency?

My plea is restraint. Yes, we have the right to express opinions. This is part of our freedom as Americans. However, can’t this be done in a way that reflects maturity beckoning others to at least consider our point of view? Plain speaking used to be a trait of our culture. Now it’s my way or the highway

I remember my grandmother telling me: “You catch more flys with honey than with vinegar.” For the uninitiated in grandma wisdom, this means you persuade more people to your point of view by talking nice rather than crude or rude. If the point is to persuade rather than to vent, restraint in speech is always preferable.

Here is a little restraint from the Bible.

The book of Proverbs:

“The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.”

The letter of James:

“We get it wrong every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone who speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect person in perfect control of life…. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything or destroy it!”