The epistle of James in the Bible has much to say about our words, the things we say to each other. We are told to guard our mouths ( James 3: 2-12) and bless others with our words (James 4:11). James 3:17, is pertinent here: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."

If this describes God's wisdom surely it should describe our wisdom or words. Our words should be pure or clean, innocent and chaste. They should bring peace be gentle or fair, moderate and considerate, nor harsh, sarcastic or abrasive. In our words we should be willing to yield or be humble, submit, concede or change when we are in error. Our words need to be full of mercy or compassion, pity and kindness, words full of good fruits that bless, encourage and enhance the hearer. Finally all the words we speak must be impartial, without prejudice and lack any hypocrisy but be straight forward and sincere. Wow, we surely need to think before we speak!