I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin.
—Psalm 39:1
On November 10, 2016, Daniel Fitzpatrick, thirteen, of Staten Island, New York, wrote a heartbreaking letter detailing how he had been taunted and tormented by schoolmates. He then went to the attic of the family home, wrapped a belt around his neck, and hanged himself.
Bullying is the number-one cause of teen suicide. “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Prv 18:21).
Many adults are bullied as well. Victims of abusive language live lives of loneliness and feelings of worthlessness.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (Jas 1:26).
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps 141:3).
Freedom of speech does not
include the right to hurt.