Our tongues were made to bless the Lord, <br />And not speak ill of men: <br />When others give a railing word, <br />We must not rail again. <br /> <br />Cross words and angry names require <br />To be chastised at school; <br />And he's in danger of hell-fire <br />That calls his brother fool. <br /> <br />But lips that dare be so profane <br />To mock, and jeer, and scoff <br />At holy things, or holy men, <br />The Lord shall cut them off. <br /> <br />When children, in their wanton play, <br />Served old Elisha so, <br />And bade the prophet go his way, <br />"Go up, thou bald head, go!" <br /> <br />God quickly stopped their wicked breath; <br />And sent two raging bears, <br />That tore them limb from limb to death, <br />With blood, and groans, and tears. <br /> <br />Great God! How terrible art thou <br />To sinners e'er so young: <br />Grant me thy grace, and teach me how <br />To tame and rule my tongue.<br /><br />Isaac Watts<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/against-scoffing-and-calling-names/
