The power of 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
It has been said that the most powerful muscle in the body is – the tongue. James tells us that the tongue is like a fire and cannot be tamed (James 3:6-8). It is very easy to say something, and impossible to take it back once it has been said.
The words we speak are powerful. We can use words to demoralise a person and cut them down. We may teach our children the saying, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,’ but in fact the opposite is true. The wounds from hurtful words can stay with a person far longer than a physical bruise.
Instead, as Christians, our words should be gentle and uplifting. We all need to think more, before we start speaking. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6). Salt is an antiseptic, a purifying agent, a preservative and a flavour enhancer. This is what our words should be to those around us.