A man decided to become a monk, so he entered a monastery. He was met by a tall thin man garbed in a brown, hooded robe.

“Welcome, my brother. You may stay as long as you wish. We will provide you with food and shelter. You should know that we are silent order. Only I, the spiritual shepherd of this flock, am permitted to speak. However, after each year of faithful service here, you will be permitted to say two words.”

The first year went by with the man serving faithfully and totally silent. He was permitted two words. All the monks gathered around. He said, “food bad.”

The second year passed. Again, both faithful and silent, he was allowed two words. All the monks gathered around. He said, “room cold.”

After his third year of faithfulness and silence, he was again permitted two words. All the monks gathered around. He said, “I quit!”

One monk whispered to another, “I’m not surprised. He’s done nothing but complain since he’s been here!”

The bible has much to say about being mindful of the words we use. People tend to judge us by the words we speak. We should ask ourselves this question. When I open my mouth do people expect kind words, or do they expect grumbling, complaining and gossiping? Someone once said, “I only use sweet words, for I know someday I may have to eat them.”

Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.