“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”     – Proverbs 12:18

We most often associate the word “reckless” with driving.  Under the laws of our state, reckless driving is defined as: “a willful or wanton disregard for persons or property” by a person operating a vehicle.  Reckless driving is considered more dangerous than careless or improper driving, and the crime carries a steeper penalty.  When a person chooses to drive recklessly, he puts not only himself at risk, but innocent drivers on the road around him.  The attitude behind this disregard can show itself in other areas of life, too.  Like driving, living recklessly can profoundly hurt those around you.

Someone once said, “Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it needs to be told.”  These are wise words.  I could tell you that your shirt is ugly, that your hair is a wreck, or that your child is a holy terror.  And while all of these things might be true, saying them is going to hurt my relationship with you more than it’s going to help it.  Too many people value being heard more than they value their relationships with the people around them.  They recklessly say whatever pops into their minds with little empathy for how it might be received.  When we are reckless with other people’s feelings, it hurts our witness and the witness of the Church.  Let us pray for a sense of consideration for those who share the road of life with us.  Take care of the relationships you have with those who love you.