Ephesians 4:29:  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 

The 26 letters of the English alphabet have resulted in about 1,013,913 words in the English language.

Unfortunately these words can either help or hurt.  I try to be an encourager and use my words to uplift and build, but at times in my life, I must admit I have misused words and they have done harm.  I think we can all relate to that.

Modern technology has expanded our use of words to include texts, posts, tweets, and emails.  Just like spoken words, published words can take on a life of their own and either build up or tear down.  Even in times when rebuke is warranted and justified, we need to take care that our words are intended to help.

The easy way out is to never say anything meaningful; to be quiet and not contribute verbally at all.  That would be just as wrong.  Wise old Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to keep silence and a time to speak.  Then in verse 11, he reminds us that God has made everything beautiful in its appropriate time…even words.

I have made a personal recommitment to evaluate my words – spoken and written – to attempt to use words that are good for building up, fit the occasion, and extend grace to all who read or hear them.

Will you join me in replacing the stones of negativity, criticism, ridicule, gossip and such as these with the building blocks of praise, encouragement, comfort, affirmation and such graceful words as these?  Join me in being careful that all we say and post gives grace to those who hear and read.

For your thought: (1) What verbal stones have you thrown lately?  (2) What verbal building blocks have you laid this week?