Cameron Walker’s column called  “Sar-caustic Venom” got me thinking about how much negative talk -- both to others and to ourselves -- has a detrimental effect on us.

Shortly after I read his column, I got this scripture in my email:
"Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, where the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things."   (James 3:4-5)

What we say has a huge effect on where we go, on the direction our lives take.  Speech is very powerful and must be used carefully.

I try to remember to only speak what is true, helpful, and kind.   Just because something is true is not reason enough to say it.  Neither is “But I’ll feel so much better once I get this off my chest.”  It’s hard to remember that sometimes.

Here’s another quote I came across recently that has been helpful to me:
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”
(I haven’t the foggiest idea who said it.  I think I saw it in an email signature.)

You never really know what someone else is going through, what another person is wrestling with at any given moment.  Your little bit of kindness might be just what the person needs to keep going, or a harsh word from you could be the last straw.  You just don’t know.  So it makes sense to wield speech carefully.