Today Nelson isn’t thinking about cancer as much as how he’s complying with God’s instructions—especially in regard to the words he uses.

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August 24, 2022

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15)

Qualities of a righteous person.

Interestingly, lots of them have to do with the tongue and what we say and what we can do with our words: It speaks truth, doesn’t slander, casts no damaging insinuations about a person, and keeps oaths, which also happens with words. Keeps promises even when it hurts.

These are the things a righteous person does. These are the things a man of God who dwells in God’s tent does. I was reading the Love passage in Corinthians and was convicted by the bit that says, “Love…does not dishonor others.” That’s also something that happens with the mouth.

How easy it is for our mouths to lead us into sin. How much sin is avoided if we just keep quiet?

It’s 6:00 am, and I’m out at the table journaling. Annso is with kleine Will [German for “little one”], doing the magic only she can do with him in the wee hours of the morning. He’s a little singer, always.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)