“Their tongue shall be their downfall.” (64:9)

Sir Walter Scott wrote, “O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” One lie builds on the next and on the next. Eventually, the whole ungainly pile falls down under its own weight.

Sometime in the first half of the 19th century, a Reverend Mr. Stuart advised three questions to be put to ourselves before speaking evil of any person: “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” Whether it is the tongue or the fingers we are exercising, we would be wise to heed Mr. Stuart’s advice.