Remember, the author of Sirach is an old wise guy. His picturesque language concerning the use of the tongue may help you to remember.
Sirach 11:7-8 (NRSV) “Do not find fault before you investigate; examine first, and then criticize. 8 Do not answer before you listen, and do not interrupt when another is speaking.”
How many times have you done this today?
Sirach 28:24-25 (NRSV) “As you fence in your property with thorns, so make a door and a bolt for your mouth. 25 As you lock up your silver and gold, so make balances and scales for your words.”
As we might say, put a lock on it.
Sirach 20:18 (NRSV) “A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; the downfall of the wicked will occur just as speedily.”
Last year Kelli slipped on the pavement and broke her ankle. It was horrible.