Sitting in a row of small desks that graced my third-grade classroom, I teased the little girl in front of me. Really, I had a crush on her and meant no harm. Fifty years would pass before I found out how much that girl was hurt by my comments. The reality of that pains my heart, but there is not a thing I can do about it. God has forgiven me, but I’m not so sure about her. The damage caused by words is hard to calculate. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
We can’t correct the past, but the lessons can be powerful. Give it some thought.
Gary