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Bridle Your Tongue

¹ Ain't many of you will be called to teach others how to ride for the Boss's outfit because you know these cowboys will be judged more strictly. ² Many of us have fallen off in many ways. Only someone who is perfect has stayed in the saddle in every situation, and is able to control every part of their body without ever losing a stirrup or their deep seat. ³ You know that a bit in a horse's mouth can control his whole body. ⁴ Even a big ship is controlled by a tiny rudder. ⁵ So too is the tongue a small part of the body that can have a big impact on a life. Even a small spark can start a brush fire. ⁶ The tongue is like a raging fire. Thousands of people set fire to the world with tongues they do not try to control. No wonder this world has gone to hell.

⁷ There ain't nothing in the world that hasn't been tamed by man. ⁸ Well, nothing except the tongue; it is an evil bronc that can't be rode, full of malice and might. ⁹ We pray to God with one side and then turn right around and talk crap about those who were made in his very image. ¹⁰ Ain't no reason in the world why blessings and curses should come out of the same hole in your face. ¹¹ A windmill don't pump good water one minute and sewer water the next, does it? ¹² Can you get a filly from a cow or a heifer from a mare? Salt water doesn't become fresh by putting it in a clean cup.

A Real Ride Starts with Wisdom

¹³ Who among you cowboys rides with wisdom and understanding? Good manners and honest ways, with a gentle countenance, mark the ride of a wise cowboy. ¹⁴ But if your way is riddled with bitter jealousy and always lookin' out only for yourself, don't go around braggin' and lyin' about who you really are. ¹⁵ This ain't wisdom. It's nothin' but evil and worldly . . . even demonic. ¹⁶ Where there's a cowboy ridin' in selfishness and jealousy, there's a cougar in the calvin' pen. ¹⁷ You'll know cowboys who are ridin' with wisdom because they'll leave a trail of peace, mercy, justice, gentleness, good deeds, hospitality, and no ounce of hypocrisy. ¹⁸ These peacemakers will plant seeds of goodness and get a bumper crop of right living.