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Lesson Learned from the Zoo keeper
By: Yolanda Harrell
As a child one of my most memorable family memories are of trips we took to the zoo. I loved viewing the animals and
taking pictures standing near them. There are many different types of zoos that family visit each year. Most zoos are
separated into sections according to the different animal characteristics. In some sections of the zoo you can pet the
animals, in other sections the animals are out in the open with a fence being the only thing separating them from you, and
then there are sections of animals that you can only view through a glass cage. These animals usually have signs
somewhere near their cage warning the onlooker not to touch, tap or agitate them. The zoo keepers label these animals as
vicious creatures, those that can only be tamed to a certain degree. They are unruly creatures, those that you have to keep
a close eye on at all times. The zoo keeper knows that if these animals are ever left unattended to roam as they please
disaster would take place.
With the outstanding percentages of broken homes in America today; I believe we as Christian women can learn from the
zoo keeper. According to James, each day we carry one of the most deadly, untamed, unruly creatures with us to our jobs,
our homes and even in the mist of the assembly without a lock or key anywhere to be found. This small, yet damaging
creature is called “the tongue” (James 3:6-8). The tongue is very complex. Proverbs 12:18 tells us that it can be used for
good or bad.
Since James has already told us that it can not be tamed, then as Christian women it is something we must learn how to
control. The Bible often relates one who can control his tongue to one who is wise; Proverbs 17:28 say’s, “Even a fool,
when he holdeth his peace is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs
21:23 say’s, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepth his soul from trouble.” The tongue is so important because
Proverbs 16:1 say’s, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord”.
We need to set limitations on our tongues, because it is the one part of our bodies that will go with us into judgment
Romans 14:11say’s, “for it is written, as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to
God”. As a result it is the tongue that we need to keep a lock and key to. Peter said that when we speak, we should
speak as the oracle’s of God (1Pet 4:11). Therefore ladies in order to speak as the oracles of God, we need to be about
our Father’s business. Psalms 39:1 say’s, “take heed that I sin not with my tongue”. The writer is saying take heed
because he realizes that we can sin with our tongue many ways. One way we can sin with our tongue is by being a
gossiper, tattler or busybody like those mentioned in 1Tim 5:13. Also, in Lev. 19:16, the people were instructed not to go
about as a talebearer among the people. In other words, it’s not wise to tell secrets. Proverbs 11:13 say’s, “he who is of a
faithful spirit conceals a matter”. One thing to remember is that a talebearer is not always a liar. A lot of times things that
are true should not be repeated. In this verse God is condemning tattlers. Women at times we are trusted by our spouses
or other sisters with information; we need to be careful to keep those things concealed. Some people like hearing corrupt
things, beware of these types of people because they have an evil heart. Proverbs 17:4 say’s, “an evildoer gives heed to
false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue”. James 1:19 say’s that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak.
As a result, controlling our tongue is a must. Although the tongue has a dark side, it can also be used for good. In 1Pet 3:
1, 2 it is used to win the soul of an unfaithful husband. The Hebrew writer say’s we can praise God with it (Heb 13:15).
Also in Col 4:6 Christians are instructed to use it as a type of seasoning to add flavor to their words in their daily
conversations. Therefore in conclusion, remember the zoo keeper and always keep a spare lock and key handy.
By: Yolanda Harrell
As a child one of my most memorable family memories are of trips we took to the zoo. I loved viewing the animals and
taking pictures standing near them. There are many different types of zoos that family visit each year. Most zoos are
separated into sections according to the different animal characteristics. In some sections of the zoo you can pet the
animals, in other sections the animals are out in the open with a fence being the only thing separating them from you, and
then there are sections of animals that you can only view through a glass cage. These animals usually have signs
somewhere near their cage warning the onlooker not to touch, tap or agitate them. The zoo keepers label these animals as
vicious creatures, those that can only be tamed to a certain degree. They are unruly creatures, those that you have to keep
a close eye on at all times. The zoo keeper knows that if these animals are ever left unattended to roam as they please
disaster would take place.
With the outstanding percentages of broken homes in America today; I believe we as Christian women can learn from the
zoo keeper. According to James, each day we carry one of the most deadly, untamed, unruly creatures with us to our jobs,
our homes and even in the mist of the assembly without a lock or key anywhere to be found. This small, yet damaging
creature is called “the tongue” (James 3:6-8). The tongue is very complex. Proverbs 12:18 tells us that it can be used for
good or bad.
Since James has already told us that it can not be tamed, then as Christian women it is something we must learn how to
control. The Bible often relates one who can control his tongue to one who is wise; Proverbs 17:28 say’s, “Even a fool,
when he holdeth his peace is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs
21:23 say’s, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepth his soul from trouble.” The tongue is so important because
Proverbs 16:1 say’s, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord”.
We need to set limitations on our tongues, because it is the one part of our bodies that will go with us into judgment
Romans 14:11say’s, “for it is written, as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to
God”. As a result it is the tongue that we need to keep a lock and key to. Peter said that when we speak, we should
speak as the oracle’s of God (1Pet 4:11). Therefore ladies in order to speak as the oracles of God, we need to be about
our Father’s business. Psalms 39:1 say’s, “take heed that I sin not with my tongue”. The writer is saying take heed
because he realizes that we can sin with our tongue many ways. One way we can sin with our tongue is by being a
gossiper, tattler or busybody like those mentioned in 1Tim 5:13. Also, in Lev. 19:16, the people were instructed not to go
about as a talebearer among the people. In other words, it’s not wise to tell secrets. Proverbs 11:13 say’s, “he who is of a
faithful spirit conceals a matter”. One thing to remember is that a talebearer is not always a liar. A lot of times things that
are true should not be repeated. In this verse God is condemning tattlers. Women at times we are trusted by our spouses
or other sisters with information; we need to be careful to keep those things concealed. Some people like hearing corrupt
things, beware of these types of people because they have an evil heart. Proverbs 17:4 say’s, “an evildoer gives heed to
false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue”. James 1:19 say’s that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak.
As a result, controlling our tongue is a must. Although the tongue has a dark side, it can also be used for good. In 1Pet 3:
1, 2 it is used to win the soul of an unfaithful husband. The Hebrew writer say’s we can praise God with it (Heb 13:15).
Also in Col 4:6 Christians are instructed to use it as a type of seasoning to add flavor to their words in their daily
conversations. Therefore in conclusion, remember the zoo keeper and always keep a spare lock and key handy.
