Today social media is being used for many different purposes, some good and some evil. We need to be careful of the words that we post, that we consider their impact. The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” is seriously flawed. James completes his admonition against bitter, sinful speech by explaining that the net effect of such words are “confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16). Bitter words will ruin every relationship or organization they are brought upon. We can praise God for an alternative. God stands ready to help us tame our bitter tongue, whether that is in spoken or written words. The process is hard, but the fruit is more than worth it. Just as bitter words and their ruinous effects destroy and tear down. Godly words can build up relationships and organizations. That is what the Savior of the world desires because He loves righteousness that is sown in peace by those who make peace. As we prepare to open our mouth, whether that is in pen or process, may we realize that the words that we are about to make public will affect people around us. May our prayer be found in Psalm 141:3 “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
