CAREFUL WORDS

1. Ten things to remember about careful words:

a) Choose your word carefully.

@1. 29Do 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 NIV)

b) Gentle words have more power than harsh words.

@1. 15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Proverbs 25:15 NIV)

c) You have to think before you speak.

@1. 28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28 NIV)

d) Don't talk too much.

@1. 19Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. (Proverbs 10:19 NIV)

e) Your words can cause you to stumble.

@1. 2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. (James 3:2 NIV)

f) Kind words are life-giving.

@1. 24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)

g) Your words can bring about great destruction.

@1. 5Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. (James 3:5 NIV)

h) If you a good life, watch what you say.

@1. 10For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. (1 Peter 3:10 NIV)

i) Your words can be inspired by the enemy.

@1. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6 NIV)

j) Your unkind words hurt you more than they hurt your spouse.

@1. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37 NIV)