May 20, 2026

We all say things we regret. The Bible warns us our tongues can get us in trouble. In Psalm 55:21, we read, “His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.” Perhaps it is not only time to set a guard on the words we say but to also set a guard on the words we think.

Like most people, I have longed to call back words many times in my life. It can’t be done. Rather than live repenting the hurts we’ve caused, we should develop the discipline of speaking only words that bestow value and benefit. It is difficult to measure the harm caused by careless words. Children grow up without confidence and life skills because parents fail to teach and exhort them as they mature. Marriages fail because of tempers and impatience. People lose jobs, political races and, due to inflexibility, they watch dreams die.

The devil loves these losses. He claims it isn’t us; children forget, people need to be tougher, and jobs and romances come and go. He offers distractions at every turn. Things so lovely we think they must be from God. Of course they’re not. The devil overplays his hand. Always. Too lovely.. Too perfect. Too encumbered with compromise and rebellion. Stay far from his plunder. Its price tag is your soul.

Words follow us like music. Be the memory that makes people smile, the melody that made them believe they could do anything with faith and God’s help.

Lord God, Thank You for correcting my words, for reminding me the things I say have the power to bless people or bring them pain and confusion. Help me see people as You see them, Lord, to see the value they bring to the Body of Christ. May my words never stop Your call on anyone’s life and may I always heed Your message to bless, uplift and help those You bring before me.

Pleasant words are ⌞like⌟ honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24