If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose. Proverbs 30:32 MSG

In 8th grade, a kid named Steve punched me square in the face. That same year, another kid named Curtis teed off on my nose. Both incidents were caused by my big mouth and broad personality, striving so desperately to fit into my new surroundings.

The mouth is a funny thing. Small indeed, but it can be very much like a loaded gun in the possession of an immature or inconsiderate soul.

There is nothing more frustrating to me than a rude fellow who excuses himself by saying things like, “I’m just brutally honest.” Even if you are wise enough not to jeopardize your freedom by slamming your fist into his snout, not so pleasant thoughts probably lodge in your brain.

The few bloody noses I’ve suffered in my lifetime have influenced me to watch my words and their effect on the atmosphere. And I do my best to help a younger generation growing up in my house to get the point and avoid the punches.

The thought for the day for me, in light of this pungent proverb, is articulated quite nicely in the next verse:  Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights (vs 33). I do like my butter, but ultimately it’s not worth taking a beating physically, mentally, emotionally or verbally all because I can’t tame my tongue.

Lorenzo