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The Power of the Tongue



In the quest for a life filled with joy and the treasure of good days, one biblical wisdom implores us to master the art of speech. 

“For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11).

The tongue, though small, wields a force mightier than any weapon of mass destruction. It can ignite a wildfire of destruction or breathe life into the ashen fields of despair. 

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” (James 3:5-6).

We are all architects of our destiny, crafting the 
 of our lives one word at a time. Our words can be the balm that heals or the arrow that wounds the hearts of friends, neighbours, colleagues, and loved ones. We must recognize that a ‘slip of the tongue’ is not merely a misstep but a call to mindfulness.

Words once spoken are like arrows loosed; they cannot be retracted and will find their mark. We may offer apologies, express remorse, and wear the cloak of guilt, yet the scars we etch with our words remain indelible.

Let us then pause and ponder before we speak, weighing our words on the scales of kindness and compassion. Let us choose to uplift rather than tear down, to mend rather than rend, for our words can either be the harbinger of doom or the herald of hope.

The legacy of our language can imprison or liberate, leaving many in the shadows of isolation and pain or guiding them towards the light of acceptance and love. The choice is ours to make, each day, with every word we utter.

May we, like David, resolve to govern our words with wisdom and grace.

“I said I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Psalm 39:1).

And in our moments of reflection, let us hold fast to this truth: 

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:26).

In taming our tongues, we unlock the potential to transform our world, one word at a time.
Words have the power to inspire and heal, and it’s a privilege to craft them in a way that uplifts and encourages.

Read this powerful poem by about the power of words. 

Words can make one happy,
Words can bend one’s mind;
Words can make one grumpy,
words can make one kind.

Words can illuminate a man,
Words can make one weep;
Words can hurt so much,
That a man cannot even sleep.

Words can hide the truth,
Words can strike the heart;
Words can provoke the youth,
To make a revolution start.

Words can give one freedom,
Words can push one to heights;
Only words have such powers,
To separate wrongs from rights.

Words are more than missiles,
That can make one just die;
but words, if hit, cause much damage,
That makes one forget to try.

Words before being spoken,
Are under our total control;
But after we speak the words,
We fall under their control!

Omkar Atale

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