When I say things that are not edifying or uplifting, the words always come back to haunt me when I reflect on what I said. God is always faithful to convict me of my annoying banter and that is when I have to make amends with those I have irritated. The problem, however, goes beyond those who were the subject of my nonsense. The people who heard my provoking remarks are also affected by what was said and I can only hope that they will forgive me for my foolishness. I am grateful for those who are kind enough to look past my indiscretions and graciously understand that God has not finished His refining process in me. I pray that the Lord will help me give careful thought to the words that I speak.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29
"The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
James 3:5-6