If You Can’t Say Something Nice

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21

Words are weighty. If you don’t think so, ask a good counselor how many hours he or she spends counseling people whose lives have been shaped by hurtful words. Children who are told they will never amount to anything often grow up feeling as if they have not amounted to anything. Our careless words can cause wounds that last a lifetime. The tongue can bring death.

But the same tongue that destroys can also bring life. Sincere words that uplift and encourage can also impact the direction of people’s lives. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” 

Studies in neuroscience reveal that negative words release stress and anxiety-inducing hormones in subjects and contribute to long-term anxiety. Studies also show that positive words propel the motivational centers of the brain into action and build resiliency.

We have the power and responsibility to use our words wisely. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” 

It’s like Momma used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”