“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” –1 Peter 3:10
Consider the following question that someone once asked, “If someone paid you ten cents for every kind word you said about people, and collected five cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor?” If you were paid according to your words, what would your bank account look like? It is a sobering thought for all of us, yet our words bring more than money with them; they bring hurt or healing in the lives of others.
Have you ever stopped to consider that what you say has a direct impact on the lives of the people around you? That little joke, offhand comment, or meaningless story will affect someone who heard it. Words are not neutral. They either help or hinder others.
So often we can make comments without even thinking, yet hurt someone because of it. How many times have we heard of young people feeling worthless because of teasing at school? That situation doesn’t stop after high school; hurtful or mocking words still impact us as adults.
But on the other hand, words that are genuinely kind can help someone like no ointment or pain medicine could help. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Words are two-edged swords; they can be used for good or for evil. You decide how your words are used.
There is no such thing as a meaningless word. Every word you speak has the power to help or hurt someone. How are you using your words today? Are you helping or hurting those around you? Don’t allow your words to become a stumbling block to someone. Use your words to edify, uplift, and encourage others. Think of your words today as unique, cost-free opportunities to tell someone how much you care, encourage them to keep going, or remind them of God’s love. (From “Daily in the Word”)
