We’ve all done it, spoken words that cut a soul to ribbons, arrest a spirit, and leave deep scares–criticize. It takes but a moment to deliver words that wound… and oh, how smoothly they flow from our lips as easily as one pulls the bow across the strings of a violin and make no mistake they sing death–death to the essence of who one is, death to relationships. And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (James 3:6). 
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:9-10).
Once we give reign to our tongue our words can never be hauled back–the damage cannot be undone.
And who are we to think we hold the keys to all the answers or have the right to judge (or even have the authority to do so)? “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. (Matthew 7:1).
Wounding words can be spoken in a breathe but how long does it take to repair the damage they inflect–remove the anguish and distress from someone’s heart? Abrasions healed can far to often leave jagged-scares that may never truly fade away.
How do we stop the biting words?
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5).
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.(James 1:19-20).
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6).
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (1 Chronicles 16:11).
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18).
Blessings, Kasey
kaseyparr.wordpress.com 
I agree. Sometimes people may not realize it, but you can kill people with your words. So it is important to choose words that give life.
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Betty, Amen! Words are powerful–spoken wisely they can give life, spoken without thought or in anger can rip a heart apart. So glad you stopped by and shared a comment. Blessings and grace to you, Kasey
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I’ve been thinking about this lately, how I really want my speech to be with grace rather then hurting anyone. This is a great list of Bible verses to pray! Thank you!
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Ronja, Our words are so easily spoken they are out before we even think; that is why I really like this verse in James. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19. So glad you dropped by, hope you will visit again. Blessings and grace to you, Kasey
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This topic has been on my heart for months, Kasey. I “gave up” criticism and complaining for Lent and needless to say– it is still a work in progress. Thanks for sharing this very important truth over at #EverydayJesus. I always appreciate your posts.
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Sharita, Criticism and complaining are so easy to do. Good for you for “giving them” up for Lent, those are wonderful things to fast from. Thanks, my friend, for always sending a kind encouragement. Blessings, Kasey
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I so agree, Kasey. May our words be words that build up instead of cut down. Blessings.xoxo
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Beth, Oh, yes, dear friend, lets speak words that build one another up. Grace and peace to you, Kasey
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Great reminder to watch our words. A friend of mine keeps this verse from Proverbs in her email signature and I’ve always thought that was a great way to keep prompted to watch what words we use. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
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Kathryn, What a great verse…Proverbs 16:24. I too, like to write down scripture that brings life rather than death from my lips. So glad you stopped by, hope you will visit again. Blessings and grace, Kasey
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We all need to be reminded of this from time to time. Thank you for the reminder. Visiting from #TestimonyTuesday
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Jennifer, Yes…we all need a remember from time to time to keep our words in check. The tongue is soooo hard to tame. Blessings and grace, Kasey
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I love those verses from James. Thanks so much for sharing this needed post.
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Judith, James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I love the way James tells it like it is. Blessings and grace, Kasey
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These are the reasons I hold my tongue when I am upset with someone. I do not want to say something hateful or mean in the heat of the moment. I have been grateful for that obedience many times over. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and spreading the knowledge of how He wants His children to be.
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Brandi, You are wise to keep control of your tongue. It’s so easy to give our tongue control but when one practices self-control all will be grateful. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and peace to you. Have a joy-filled day, Kasey
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I am late responding to those who linked up with The Weekend Brew. I so appreciate this post. I can be very critical at times with my speech, especially where my children are concerned. I pray God will get a hold of my tongue and that only words that bless will flow from my mouth.
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Barbie, My mom has often told me we hurt the ones we love the most. I imagine it’s because we feel safe with our loved ones. However, when we have control over our tongues we all will be happier. Blessing, sweet friend, may God’s presence fill you with peace and grace always, Kasey
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I think about this particularly with my husband. Are the words I am saying uplifting or do they tear down?
Thank you for sharing at WYWW!
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Stasia, It’s easy to let our guard down around those we love–often they get the worst of us–however they can also get the best of us. Blessings and grace, Kasey
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