In the first reading from Ecclesiasticus, Ben Sira gives us good advice on human speech. The words of a person betray what he/she feels inside. The authenticity of a person can be judged by his/her words. Not too quick to judge; we are not to be easily deceived by appearances, a conversation will bring out the true us. In chapter three of the letter of James, we are cautioned to learn to tame the tongue, to bless and not curse.

Jesus acknowledges this when He says, "A good person draws what is good from the store of goodness in his/her heart; a bad person draws what is bad from the store of badness. For one's words flow out of what fills one's heart." To find words of hope is very near us. "It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it." (Deut 30:14)

So, when we communicate with people, may it be from the genuineness of our hearts rather than from any falsehood. Surely, we can live in harmony, peace and love when we have this honesty. We have to find our true self in order to live with others.

Therefore, we strive for honesty and never give up on integrity. Like St Paul says in the second reading, "Never give in, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord's work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be labouring in vain."