“Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful.”
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
I often feel like I live in the flow of freezing and scorching words. It’s uncomfortable place. I don’t want to join the bitter, angry stream.
The book of Proverbs offers an alternative:
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Good morning, Lord. Fill my mouth with healing words. Keep me from speaking without thinking, deliver me from the temptation to respond in anger or bitterness. Show me when to be silent. Teach me when and how to respond to all the hot and cold words that come my way. Make me a fount of warmth and comfort, in Jesus’ name.
Wow, that prayer covers SO MANY of the verses on the tongue! Knowing the day ahead of me, I need to MEAN that prayer. 🙏
You’re not alone, Becky. I needed this prayer myself today.