“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Prov. 15:4

While a student at Denver Seminary (many years ago), then president Dr. Vernon Grounds, made an indelible impression at the time upon this young, naïve seminarian. This gracious, godly man went out of his way to make students feel valued and important. He always had a fresh word of encouragement for every student he met. It was his way. Not only did I feel valued, but that he expected great things from me in the future.

Ironically, a new professor joined the faculty I greatly respected who had a very different impact. It soon became clear tht he didn’t particularly like me. In fact, he let me know in no uncertain terms that he considered me nothing more than an ‘average’ student at best.

I have to admit that in his class he was right, though I think I averaged a ‘B’. At one point he even told me, “As far as I’m concerned, you will never amount to anything significant. You should never be in church ministry.” Which of the two do you think stirred life and hope into my spirit, and which crushed my spirit? I wish I could say that Dr. Grounds’ life-giving words had more impact on me than the latter, but the reality is that a crushed spirit is very hard to repair.

The spirits of our children and youth are easily damaged and crushed by critical and unkind words. We all know the children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” We’ve all use it to assuage the injury felt from someone’s harsh words. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. That rhyme is a lie. Words can hurt and harm.

Learning to speak words of life is a life-long task, which the wise men of old took quite seriously. They understood too well the power of the tongue to destroy or to heal – to bless or to curse. Grandparents, it is imperative that we understand equally well the healing power of wholesome words wisely spoken. One ill-conceived word or statement that causes hurt can undo all prior words of praise. On the other hand, a single sincere word of blessing and value spoken at the right time has the power to overcome years of unkind curses spoken by others.

May we choose the words we speak to our children and grandchildren well for their sake of their souls. Do not underestimate the power of your words to breathe life and blessing, or death and cursing.

GRANDPAUSE: “The fitness of our speech and its freshness are two factors that determine what gifts of life and love we bring to others by our words.” – David A. Hubbard

For Your Comment: You probably know the power of words to hurt or heal. How have you benn able to handle the impact of those words on your life. If we have been guilty of speaking hurtful words toward another, especially a family member, how can we redeem those words and bringing healing in their place?