Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. -Proverbs 18:21 (MEV)

How often am I reminded that words can be hurtful and utterly destructive. I had a painful reminder of that earlier this summer that I hope not to repeat anytime soon. We must be careful when engaged in controversy to guard our words cautiously, because once they are out, it is too late to retract them. Oh, we may try to take them back through apologies and such, but even in the midst of forgiveness, things are remembered.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. -James 3:6

Throughout Proverbs and elsewhere in the Bible we are warned to use our words sparingly and cautiously. Even idle words shall be judged: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. -Matthew 12:36