Whipping about, lashing and hateful

This small member’s language is often fateful

For it strips and works to tear people down

Dropping their countenance to the ground

How often have we participated in the mess

When instead we could have used it to bless

To encourage, to lift, to exalt another

To enrich the lives of our Christian brother

To hold, to love, to show what’s right

Instead we often use it to fight

Wouldn’t it have been just as easy still

To bless according to God’s holy will

To show favor over mocking disdain

And love over inflicting pain

To build and nurture a life within

Instead of participating in this deadly sin

Whose pride causes a boast of self

Instead of nurturing to spiritual health

Speak blessings and help a life to grow

And you’ll reap the rewards from that life you did sow

“Let your speech always be with grace. . .”  Colossians 4:6