“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21).
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Prov. 15:4).
Our speech includes what comes out of our mouths and what we type, text and post online. Corrupt, perverse words grieve not only the Holy Spirit but the speaker and the hearer as well, so we should follow David’s example and ask God to “set a guard” over our mouths and hands (Ps. 141:3).
When we accuse others unfairly or criticize, belittle and make fun of them, the relationship suffers. We tell ourselves it’s nothing, or just innocent play, but over time a tiny sore can become a gaping wound; what starts as a tense or strained relationship fractures or becomes openly hostile if the hurt isn’t addressed.
