Many of us have heard the saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Words that are spoken aloud are powerful. They can be a blessing or a curse. Unfortunately, our tongues can get ahead of our minds.

We may at times speak words of anger, spread gossip, or just utter thoughtless comments before we have had the time to consider the consequences. Once spoken, words can never be taken back. First Peter 3:10 (NIV) warns us, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

With the Lord’s help, we can have power and control over our tongues. Paul explains in Philippians 4:13 (GW), “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” James 1:19 (NIV) advises us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) explains what words we ought to use: “only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” We live in a world where kindness and support are desperately needed. We must be encouragers, speaking words of life.