I ran across an interesting fact about the tongue and the way we talk recently. The world’s largest tongue belongs to the blue whale. It is the size of an elephant and weighs 5,400 pounds. Scientists have determined that pound for pound the tongue is the strongest muscle, although it is only connected on one end. Contrary to popular opinion, men’s tongues are longer than women and according to the World Record Academy, Fran Capo is the world’s fastest talking female. She was clocked at 603 words in 54 seconds, or 11 words a second. But, she is not the only one. Steve Woodmore from England was clocked at 637 words a minute. Men and women can talk a lot. My devotion this morning cautions us to think before we speak. We are warned to guard our tongues because our words matter. (Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.) James instructs us to look at the large ships. They are driven by strong winds, yet they are controlled by a small rudder. James also cautions that the tongue is capable of defiling the whole body. Solomon warns that when our tongue moves faster than our brains, we are in trouble. We are often warned to watch what we say and how we say it. The proverb encourages us that he “who restrains his lips is wise.” Guard your tongue. It is not the number of words you speak that demonstrates your intelligence; it is the care with which you choose them. Choose the words you speak today with caution. Make certain we consider others with our conversation. Make the product of your lips choice silver! Pastor Don [image: image.png]