About two months into kindergarten, our daughter Allison gravely announced to Jamie and me that someone had swore on the bus. I knew that we needed to process this with her, so I asked what exactly what was said.
Allison said, “Well, I am not going to say the word, because it is a bad word, but it was the ‘sw’” word.”
I racked my brain to figure out what the “sw” word was. I grew up on a farm and farmers can be pretty colorful in expressing themselves when loading livestock or getting a tractor unstuck. But, I couldn’t for the life of me think what the “sw” word might be.
Finally, I just said, “Allison tell me what the ‘sw’ word is.” She whispered. “Shut up.” I was singing on the bus today and a kid told me to shut up.
Of course, we were relieved that it hadn’t been anything worse than that. And, also thankful that our children know that phrase is out of bounds.
But, what I want to tell you today is that there are times when you should use the “sw” word: “shut-up.”
And, the person you should say it to is yourself.
Proverbs 10:19 says.
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.(Pr 10:19).”
While, it’s not a good idea to tell others to “shut up.” There is a time to whisper to yourself: “Shut up!”
Where words are many, sin is not absent.
But, don’t stop singing. Even on the school bus.
