Barking

A Russian proverb says, “A dog is wiser than a woman: he won’t bark at his master,” a humorous reminder that even a dog knows not to attack the one who cares for him yet husbands and wives often bark at the very person most loyal to them. Scripture warns that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21), and rash, sharp words wound like a sword, while kind words heal. When marriage vows, promises, and even international treaties are treated as worthless, it reveals a corruption of heart that makes speech destructive rather than communicative. Like dogs turning on their masters, husbands and wives who turn their tongues against one another undermine the very relationship meant to sustain them. Before asking whether others have barked at you, ask whether you have barked at them and guard your own tongue first.