Do you talk a lot? People usual say that I’m quiet. One particular lady in my church loves to tell a story about when I was a little girl, and she couldn’t get me to talk to her. I was very shy when I was little. I laughingly tell people that once I started talking, I didn’t stop.

Even though I don’t mind voicing my opinion to my friends, I guess compared to some I still don’t talk much. However, I still find myself talking when I shouldn’t. I sometimes say more than I should or have an opinion about something that is none of my business. I’ve noticed that there is a lot of that going on these days.

As a writer, words are important to me, but I still have a responsibility to choose them carefully. This is especially vital when I am talking about others, whether it be my family and friends, my church and community or celebrities and political figures. The Bible says, “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32) (MSG)

We are told to build one another up with our words, and it doesn’t say that we get a pass if the person is a politician or a celebrity. Neither does it say that if the other person says nasty things or things that we are opposed to that we can say what we want back. It says that we don’t use our gift of words to build others up that we grieve the heart of God. I can’t think of anything sadder, can you? So, let’s make a commitment to use our words wisely. There is no wiser way to use our words than to pray for others.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20) (NIV)