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About this quote

What does it mean?
A plea for divine mercy due to human pride and foolish speech. It acknowledges collective frailty.
In plain terms
Forgive our proud and silly words.
What can you take from it?
Pray for mercy after prideful words.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • public crisis
  • personal failure

Putting it to work

  • apologize quickly
  • avoid boasting
  • seek forgiveness

Questions to consider

  • What words need forgiveness?
  • When do you need mercy?

Another view

Mercy is not earned by prayer alone without action.

More from Rudyard Kipling

  1. If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boastings as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the Law - Lord God…

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. It takes a great deal of Christianity to wipe out uncivilized Eastern instincts, such as falling in love at first sight.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the Kings depart; Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart.

    Permalink to quote #12

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