Words have power. Unlike the rhyme most of us learned as children about sticks and stones, words can kill and crush. Often things we say in unguarded or moments of anger, even in jest, cause pain and have long-term consequences.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. …Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife stops. …He that hates hides it with his lips, and holds the deceit inside; …A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth brings ruin. —Proverbs 26:4, 20, 24, 28
God calls us to watch our speech. Think before we speak, speaking that which lifts up even as it confronts, compliments instead of complains and encourages while being truthful.
It is a balance that comes from a heart of love.
Lord, Help me speak words of truth that lift up and honor You. Amen.
By Carolyn R Scheidies
From First I Bow