Aesop lived as a slave
and servant of Xanthus, a philosopher. One day, Xanthus planned to host a
dinner for his friends. He ordered Aesop to prepare a dinner using the best
food material available in the market. When Xanthus was ready for the dinner
with his friends, Aesop served several dishes made from the tongue of an animal. The dishes were
prepared in different ways and served with appropriate sauces. The angry
Xanthus sought an explanation. Aesop replied that the tongue was the best organ
as it is the organ for expressing eloquence, gratitude, kindness, love, praise,
sociability, sympathy, truth, and worship.
The
next day, Xanthus asked Aesop to prepare a meal using the worst material
available in the market. This time also, Aesop made different dishes using the tongue. The angry Xanthus questioned
Aesop. Aesop explained that the tongue was also the worst material, as it was
the organ used for blasphemy, conflict, cursing, defamation, fraud, gossip,
injustice, lying and treason. The philosopher learned a great lesson of life
from his servant. The tongue is the best and worst organ of the human body. Its
value is dependent on the manner of its use.
This
truth is exemplified in the Bible: "Just think how large a forest can be
set on fire by a tiny flame! And the tongue is like a fire....We use it to give
thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse our fellow-man, who is created
in the likeness of God. Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the
same mouth."
What we say can preserve life or destroy
it. Thoughtless words can
wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. Intelligent people
think before they speak; what they say is then more meaningful and persuasive. An encouraging word has magical powers. It can
work wonders. But a discouraging comment may lead to destruction of initiative
and a final failure. Let us encourage and strengthen each other.
The
tongue should speak only the truth. When words are manipulated to get our own
way, even deviating from truth and righteousness, we go wrong. Telling a lie is
a coward's way of trying to get out of trouble.
........................................................................................................................
© By Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's Public School,
Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath,
Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally, Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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