“An unkind thought, a careless word, can cause so much pain.

Catch the thought.
Hold the word.”

Words, and the Consequences of those words, said in anger and haste. Said without thought or care for the other person, can do an untold amount of damage to a heart. So quickly said, and cannot be recalled. The damage is done, and though forgiveness of those words may be granted, the memories cannot be undone, and they play on in that person’s heart, perhaps for a lifetime. How many of us remember hurtful words said to us, and try as we may, cannot forget them, but how many of us have heard kind words, encouraging words that we also remember? Notes that we keep, written from a sincere heart, and we read them again and again, for they are uplifting and inspire our hearts and make it glad again.

God has much to say in His Word about the use of our tongues and how we are to treat our neighbor.

“Behold the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth? And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. for every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” James 3:4-9

We all know of some that have been wounded by careless words, perhaps ourselves, and there are some wounds within the heart that are so deeply buried, tender to the touch, that a person may never tell you. They keep it to themselves, and in some, they cannot, or will not speak of it. It is that painful, and is hidden from view, buried in a heart that only God sees. Oh that we were wise…..

…but Scripture teaches us:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

In Proverbs 31, we are taught about the virtuous woman. Among other attributes of the virtuous woman is the use of her tongue.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:26

I speak often about music, for music can be very uplifting to our hearts. There is a song, one of my favorites, sung by Josh Groban. Perhaps you have heard the song, but it has an uplifting message for us. Words.

“When I am down, and oh my heart so weary. When troubles come and my heart burdened be. Then I am still and wait here in the silence. Until you come and sit awhile with me. You raise me up so I can stand on mountains. You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be.”

As God’s Word teaches us:

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”  II Thessalonians 5:11

“Not all wounds are so obvious. Walk gently in the lives of others.”

Eileen Light