Almost every argument, almost every fight and almost every war was preceded by words. Almost every reconciliation, almost every truce, and almost every declaration of peace was preceded by words. Words have the power to tear us down and words have the power to build us up. In fact, the Bible says, ” The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV). I bet you can tell me about words that were spoken to you recklessly that hurt you deep inside. But I also bet that you can tell me about wise words that were spoken to you that have lifted you up even in your most difficult times. It’s the power of words. That’s why we should be more cautions with our words. That is why we should think before we speak.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

“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”.
– Apostle Paul

According to the Apostle Paul all of the words we speak and to whomever we speak them should do two things: First, every word we speak is supposed to build up the others and not ourselves. Second, every word we speak should benefit those who are listening and not those who are speaking. This is a radical departure from the way in which we use our words. For this to happen we must learn to think before we speak. We most learn to ask ourselves: Who will be benefited by the words I speak? And, how will they be benefited by the words I speak? And if your words do not build up and benefit the listener they are deemed unwholesome and therefore should not be spoken AT ALL!

Allow me to leave you with a few suggestions on how to use your words to benefit others:

· Complement others as often as you can.
Instead of seeking to be complimented for what you do or don’t do seek to compliment everyone who will listen for what they do or don’t do.

· Brag publicly about others as often as you can.
Not only should we compliment others, we should compliment them publicly.

· Always thank others specifically.
When someone does you a favor or an act of kindness no matter who it is you should recognize the specific act and thank them for it.

· Listen more and speak less.
This one speaks for itself.

It simple, every word we speak should benefit the listener and if it doesn’t benefit the listener then we should not speak them at all.

Heavenly Father, your Word teaches me that my tongue has the power of life and death, so I ask you to help me to be cautious whenever I talk. Do not let my mouth speak words that can hurt others, but instead, words that are edifying and a blessing for their lives.