RENAISSANCE JANUARY 2023

5 Monthly Renaissance January 2023 Editorial Taming the Tongue Dr Shehzad Saleem “Wounds inflicted by the tongue are deeper than the wounds inflicted by the sword,” is an adage that we have often read and also experienced. These wounds cut deep into the heart and are not easily cured. Even after years, a person may feel their pain. At times, these wounds are caused inadvertently and at others in a planned and cold-blooded way. However, whatever be their nature, as human beings it is our foremost duty to make an all out effort to control the tongue. Abusing and cursing others, making fun of them, lying, misreporting facts, backbiting, indulging in slander, swearing false oaths and bearing false witness, lustful chatting, bragging, enticing others to sin, speaking disrespectfully, expressing arrogance, gossiping, giving sweeping statements and being judgemental, teasing, flattering and even talking incessantly are some prominent areas where restraining and containing the tongue is required. The first step to overcome such mistakes is to realize that they are mistakes. Realizing ones faults means that the job is half done. The other half requires a concerted and sustained effort. The starting point after this realization is to plan before hand to hold back the tongue from its evil habits or letting it enter into a frenzied state; more often than not, this is due to some reaction that arises within us. Obviously, errors of the tongue can be classified in two categories. Faults which are habitual and do not involve rage: like lying, backbiting and misreporting facts etc. Errors which occur in rage, like abusing, screaming and shouting. Habitual faults of the tongue need a concerted effort. They can only be overcome if a person makes up his mind to root them out by realizing that they are grave sins and not only besmear one’s