Keep thy tongue from evil—-. Psalms 34:13 John Wesley was deeply disturbed by people who seemed to enjoy criticizing others, especially those who were in the Lord’s work. Once while he was preaching, he noticed a lady in the congregation who was well known for her critical attitude. All through the service she sat and stared at his new tie. When the meeting was ended, she came up to him and said very sharply, “Mr. Wesley, the strings on your bow tie are much too long. It’s an offense to me!” He asked if any of the ladies present happened to have a pair of scissors in their purse. When they were handed to him, he gave them to the critic and ask her to trim the streamers to her liking.
After she clipped them off near the collar, he said, “Are you sure they’re right now?” “Yes”, she said, “that’s much better!” “Then let me have those shears a moment,” said Wesley. “I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if I also give you a bit of correction. I don’t mean to be cruel, but I must tell you, madam, that your tongue is an offense to me – it’s too long! Please stick it out, I’d like to trim some off.” Of course, Wesley didn’t follow through on his threat, but he sure made his point!)
