tart « Back of the Choir

You are my friend, and friend you’ll always be

If I say something wrong and you speak up,

For such rebuke from you is wine to me:

First tart then sweet to drink your chiding cup.

I may not like your criticism now

But you speak from a heart of love and care.

Much more from you than others I’d allow;

Their motives may not be sincere and fair.

An enemy may flatter with his tongue

But stab you in the back first chance he gets.

A kiss from Judas, then the armed crowd sprung;

He was no friend of Jesus when they met.

Your admonition, friend, is better than

The stench from some perfume some foe would fan.

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Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6 KJV

Instead of pointing at the more profane,

Police that brazen mouth that’s strapped to you.

If you can’t watch your tongue, your faith is vain,

And those who hear you speak will think so, too.

There’s nothing wrong with humor if it’s clean;

Before you tell a joke, share first with Christ.

If you can make Him laugh it’s not obscene,

But if the Spirit tugs, it should be iced.

Beware of what you say, you’re being watched;

You represent religion to the crowd.

A vulgar tongue leaves testimonies botched;

The message that you send is clear and loud.

Your tawdry speech can so deceive your heart.

It’s better to be silent than be tart.

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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 KJV

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