—From the German.
1937
It is related that a peasant once came to a monk to be taught the Scriptures. The holy man began with the Psalm, 39 chapter, 1st verse: "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue."
The peasant went his way to practice this and never returned. Lifelong was the lesson, and lifelong the endeavor to master it.
1938
The tongue's not steel, yet it often cuts.
1939
A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.
—Irving.