The tongue

The tongue is a wretchful thing. Sometimes people justify their malevolent words by saying that they are only being straightforward and honest.

Really? 

I wonder if there might be a tinge of selfishness and meanness to such behavior.

We have to question the real motive behind our "honesty" sometimes.

Is the intention of our brutal honesty for the good of the person? If that is the case, then yes, I think one should be direct and point out a person's misdoing.

Or do we say something negative to someone just because we feel like it and because we think that being straightforward is a commendable trait and we want to be able to pat ourselves on the back for it? 

If your words are meant to bring a person down, then keep them to yourself. 

If we could endeavor to say only words meant to lift a person up, I guess the world may be a better place to be in.