Many engage in the destructive habit of criticizing others in a demeaning way, fostering a critical mood that permeates society. Negative and derogatory comments are inevitable, and it is a constant challenge to control the tongue, both our own and that of others. We cannot avoid criticism, no matter how hard we try, as it will come regardless of our actions or inactions. David's experience with being cursed by Shimei illustrates a wise response to such hostility. Even under the stress of his son Absalom's rebellion, David did not react with anger but committed himself to God, using wisdom to handle the situation. God often tests our patience and forbearance in trials, sometimes requiring us to endure curses with compassion rather than seeking vengeance. When we accept criticism, whether right or wrong, without retaliation in thought or action, God may see our anguish and compensate us with a blessing, for He sees all. Jesus Christ offers guidance on reacting to those who wrong us, teaching that we should show compassion and forgive them. If we desire God's forgiveness for the things we say about others, we must first forgive those who offend or harm us. Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7 advises not to take to heart everything people say, lest we hear someone cursing us, acknowledging that our own hearts have known times when we, too, have cursed others.

The power of the tongue to both bless and curse is a profound duality. With it, we bless our God and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing, and this ought not to be so. Most individuals do not constantly speak blessings or pronounce curses without end; rather, their words often fall somewhere in between, occasionally flying out in anger or defensiveness. No one desires to wreak havoc or destruction on others through their utterances, yet each possesses the ability to effect such harm. Consider the inconsistency of a spring sending forth both fresh and bitter water from the same opening. Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? No spring can yield both salt water and fresh. This illustrates the contradiction in our speech when we allow both kindness and cruelty to flow from us. If words hurt or cut others down even occasionally, it raises the question of how much bitterness taints the stream before it is noticed. The expectation in relationships is to trust that words will be refreshing, pleasant, loving, and positive. When harsh words of anger, gossip, merciless criticism, or caustic sarcasm strike, especially in moments needing kinder attention, it brings shock and a sense of betrayal. All are capable of such communication, and each must examine whether their tongue produces both figs and olives, both fresh and bitter water.