Article March 3, 1980 Issue

Controlling tongue and temper

KATHRYN PAULSON GROUNDS

All too often, ill temper causes loss of control over the tongue, and the Bible tells us, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."^{James 1:26;}

The purpose of a bridle is to govern and restrain a horse, to keep it from rash action that could harm both rider and mount. One of the most effective bridles we can use in controlling the tongue is silence. Even a moment's silence may become an effective instrument for peace, if it is used as an opportunity to turn to the one Mind. God will give us the strength we need to bring not only the tongue but the irate thoughts influencing it into submission to the law of divine Love.

Christian Science emphasizes that not only words but thoughts must increasingly conform to Christ Jesus' high standards of unselfed love. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, writes: "Who hath not learned that when alone he has his own thoughts to guard, and when struggling with mankind his temper, and in society his tongue? We also have gained higher heights; have learned that trials lift us to that dignity of Soul which sustains us, and finally conquers them; and that the ordeal refines while it chastens."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 126;}