Life and death

When Frodo says it is a pity that Bilbo didn’t kill Gollom when he had a chance, Gandalf replies that it was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. He continues: “Many that live deserve death, some died that deserved life. Can you give it to them?”

We cannot see very far ahead, and may believe our decisions and judgments are not life or death, but Proverbs 18:21 tells us life and death is in the power of the tongue. We continuously get to decide what words to use: to harm or to heal. We will often get it wrong, there is forgiveness and we get to try again.

When you realize you said something that harms, just take it back rightaway. Would 5 second rule work?