When you are tempted to speak evil words
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Be Careful What You Say!
A man once became angry with a coworker and spoke harsh, cutting words in front of everyone. Later, after his temper had cooled, he sincerely apologized. His coworker forgave him, but the relationship was never quite the same. Like driving a nail into a board, you can remove the nail, but the hole remains. Our words have tremendous power. They can wound hearts, damage relationships, or bring healing and encouragement. Once spoken, they cannot be taken back. That is why God repeatedly warns us to guard our tongues.
Jesus made it clear that our words reveal what is really in our hearts.
“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” (Matthew 15:11 NASB)
David also warned about the destructive power of an evil tongue.
“Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.” (Psalm 52:1-4 NASB)
Say Only Uplifting Things
Every conversation gives us a choice—to tear someone down or to build them up. God wants our speech to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others. Before speaking, ask yourself: Will these words glorify God? Will they help this person?
“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NASB)
Therefore
Choose words that bring life instead of hurt. Speak truth with love, offer encouragement freely, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations. Your words may become the very thing God uses to strengthen a discouraged heart today.
“A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23 NASB)
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 NASB)
Today, ask God to place a guard over your mouth
Before speaking, pause and pray, “Lord, let my words honor You and encourage others.” Make it your goal that everyone you meet walks away stronger because of something you said.
Quote
“Kind words produce their own image in men’s souls; and a beautiful image it is. They soothe and quiet and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, morose, unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used.” — Blaise Pascal