The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT

Has there ever been a person in your life whose words spoke life right into you?  Maybe it was an elementary school teacher who told you, “You’re very bright!”  If so, you probably haven’t forgotten it!  Words can be life-giving blessings: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” says Proverbs 16:24. What are the characteristics of wholesome words?

Wholesome words build people up.  (See Ephesians 4:29) Is someone better off after having had a conversation with me?
Wholesome words are grace-giving. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone,” or as a different version says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt. (Colossians 4:6 NIV) The perfect amount of salt enhances a food and presents its flavor at it’s very best.
Wholesome words are spoken at the right time (See Proverbs 15:23).  Have you ever wanted to share something with someone so badly that you didn’t notice at all that they were exhausted?  “It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time” Proverbs 15:23 reminds us.

Do your words hurt or help those closest to you?  The Bible recognizes that words are powerful.  God, help us to pause today and choose words that build others up, words that are seasoned with grace and spoken at the right time. Resource reading: James 3:1-12