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