If you are a fan of the iconic Andy Griffith show you have heard the infamous one-bullet-Barney Fife bellow out this phrase, “Nip it in the bud!” One of my favorite episodes is when he goes into detail about it. Take a look…
To nip something in the bud means to stop it before it gets worse or becomes bigger than it is or before it spreads, etc. It’s a horticultural process where growers pinch or snip off new buds on plants and trees to stop them from growing in certain areas and to make the plant flourish in others.
Many times it is to force the plant to put its energies to more productive uses. The bonsai tree is a good example of this as is the herb, basil. You would never have to buy basil at the store again if you continually nip off the flowering buds, replant and repeat. If you let the basil flower, it will lose its taste. This interesting phrase actually dates back to the 1600’s!
As silly as it may sound, the concept can apply to so many areas of our lives. Let’s look at a few!
- Gossip. What if we nipped it in the bud and didn’t let it even take up residence? Or, when someone decides to share, we stop them before they get started? It would save us the burden of hearing possible lies or distortions about someone else and it would keep us from being tempted to share it again. “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28. Nip it!
- Negativity. Continually allowing negative thoughts in our minds and hearts will weigh us down like few other things. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19. What if we turned those negative thoughts around, told the devil to take a hike and spoke words of life to others and to ourselves? Nip it!
- Griping. This is one you don’t see in a list very often but most of us are guilty. “Hi, my name is Nannette and I gripe too much.” Every little thing that bugs you? Gripe, nag, find fault and let the person who is upsetting you know it right then and there. Nagging is annoying but so many of us are guilty. We might not even realize we are doing it or understand the negative effect it has on those around us who must listen and take the blows. But it builds up over time until we wear the label permanently. “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3:8-10. Nip it!
The Bible instructs us clearly in how we should behave at all times, even how we should think! “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV.
When these undesirable attitudes try to enter our hearts and minds we must stop them before they begin. Just as we would with our children by not letting them get away with certain attitudes or actions, we must allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and correct us as well. Jesus left us His Word and His spirit as guides and He WILL chastise us in love to make us more like Him if we are willing.
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Every moment of every day is right, Emily. Blessings to you dear friend, so happy things are going so well for you. Pray you have a relaxing and memorable weekend. ♥
He sure was, Sharon! One of the best. We were watching the show this morning with my son and DIL who were visiting. Never gets old. You made me chuckle when you said you gave more water, lol, that is surely me. Help us, Lord! 🙂
Barney was great, wasn’t he? The show just wasn’t the same after he left and he was never as good on his other sitcoms as he was on Andy (my opinion) although his Disney movies were successful. He and Andy just went together and gave us so many laughs. I think I could benefit from some of that myself. Blessings! ♥
Thank you, Joanne, I have not been writing much lately but this one seemed to stick out to me. Praying I can actually practice what I ‘preach’. Blessings to you, friend! ♥
I know a few too, Joanne. All we can do is pray! Thank you so much for visiting, friend! ♥
Oh, Donna, that is me too! I am so ashamed and pray daily for God to put a watchman at the door of my mouth but sometimes I think I push him out of the way to let those words spill out anyway. 🙁 Praying for a clean heart and a right spirit and a desire to be led by the Holy Spirit. Blessings to you! ♥
That is true, Brooke. We can’t let what we think are little sins or faults go because they will grow for sure! Thank you so much for visiting me.Blessings.
Thank you so much, Teresa. Love the name of your blog, having just become a Nana myself. Nothing like it, I will visit shortly! Thank you for visiting and blessings for a great weekend. ♥
I sure hope that analogy about the basil was true, Beth. As they say, if you read it on the internet…lol. But it makes sense. I’ve been gone for so long it seems and now you are going to be absent a while as well but for good reason. Praying all goes well for you. ♥
Amen to that! Nip away, Lord, nip away. Thank you so much for visiting! Blessings.
Ha, ha, the sniff. 🙂 Great show for sure. Thanks so much for visiting, Floyd. I always learn something from your words!
Me too, Hazel! It surely is a classic icon. Thank you for the linkup and hope you are still celebrating your birthday week ♥
Andy was a philosopher and gently gave out advise that certainly needed to be considered. Yes nip it in the bud especially gossip, negativity, and griping. I really enjoyed the clean shows of yesteryear. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Good call. Whether it be nipping the buds or biting our tongues, it’s like everything else; we get better at it the more we do it. But letting our mouths go is like letting the weeds grow wild and rampant. Excellent analogy and reminder, sister.
I miss Barney’s condescending sniff…
Good ole Barney and his “nip it in the bud” saying! So thankful to have the Holy Spirit to help do the nipping I need. Bless you!
I do love the powerful motivational talks that Barney often gave and “nip it in the bud” is simply iconic, Nan! I think this is what I’m talking about at my blog today too. If I had simply nipped in the bud some of my negative and sinful ruminations, I would have been so much “sweeter” like that basil plant you mentioned. Love that metaphor too and didn’t know that about basil. Thanks so much for your wisdom and humor in this place, my friend!
Loved this article! Thanks so much for sharing. I loved Barney and this was a great visual. Keep up the great writing! Teresa from NanaHood.com
I love that show! And it’s a great way to get your point across. God has been trying to show me lately that I DO in fact have control over my emotions. And it’s so much easier to keep things in line before they get big! Thanks for sharing.
Nannette,
“Griping” … I realize there are times when I open my mouth and it just falls out! When I read about murmuring in the Bible, it makes me realize just how God views it. Thanks for a great reminder! Blessings!
Made me smile! I’ve known that TV piece for many years and seeing it now again. Way back then, all I can hope for is that some came to the Lord officially!! I know more than one or two refused to be with the Lord. Now I’ll shut up, BUT you did make me smile!!
Nannette, I loved The Andy Griffith Show and so I do remember this episode and it brought back such a smile! You have brought out such wisdom in this expression. Nipping the bud will yield greater fruit in our lives. Blessings to you today!
What a fun post — but serious too. I covet Barney’s no-holds-barred approach to whatever he did. He wasn’t even afraid of looking ridiculous in pursuit of his goals. Sometimes I wonder if I could benefit from some of that abandon.
I miss Barney!! He was so funny. My husband and I watched part of a Don Knotts movie marathon the other day. He truly was a gifted comedian.
Great lessons here. Nip it in the bud. All too often I am guilty of giving the plants more water…
GOD BLESS!
Thank you so much for these reminders with a great visual! One we can grab quickly when needed…daily! (Who are we kidding…every moment of the day…;), thank you!