Few people realize the importance of the words they speak. There is hardly any way to exaggerate the importance of what we say. However, most people hardly think about it, usually speaking without thinking.

Inspirational classic author Og Mandino once wondered, “Why, then, do so many of us go out of our way to offend others with offensive criticism and judgment that so often come back to haunt us? Why do we allow our great mouths to dig furrows in our path so deep that our progress is finally nil?

He went on to comment, “If your tongue has been busy piling up enemies for you, enemies you don’t need and who can hurt you, now is as good a time as many to cease and desist. your great potential.

Another well-known inspirational and classic author described the worst effects of criticism on recipients. Dale Carnegie, in his book entitled “How to Win Friends and Influence People” articulates that “Criticism is useless because it puts a man on the defensive and usually causes him to strive to justify himself. Criticism is dangerous because it hurts precious pride, hurts their sense of importance and arouses their resentment.

My dear readers, Dale Carnegie reminds us: “In dealing with people, let us remember that we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures full of prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity.” He warns that making “criticism is a dangerous spark, a spark that can cause an explosion in the powder keg of pride, an explosion that sometimes hastens death.”

Carnegie went on to give very good examples in his earlier statements: “General Leonard Wood was criticized and was not allowed to go with the army to France. That blow to his pride probably shortened his life. Bitterly what led to Thomas Chatterton, the English poet, suicide.”

I remember that the Greek philosopher, Phytagoras, once said: “A tongue wound is worse than a sword wound, because the latter affects only the body, the former affects the spirit.”

In the Bible, James, the disciple of Jesus Christ, gave a warning about the evil poison of the tongue. He described some who try to use their tongues to praise and bless God, and then turn around to use their tongues to speak ill of each other. “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things must not be so” (James 3:9-10). We cannot use our tongues to curse and speak ill of our brothers, and then continue “business as usual” with our relationship with God. The Bible clearly says that such behavior with the tongue is characteristic of hypocrites. “The hypocrite with his own mouth destroys his neighbor…” (Prov. 11: 9).

The great teacher of all times, The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to us that our words are important. In the book of Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus exclaimed, “But I tell you that on Judgment Day men will have to give an account for every idle word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be acquitted.” damned” (NIV).

Certainly, my dear readers, this is not a negative message. When we understand the importance and power of our words, we can use them for good. The Word of God clearly says “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 NIV). Santiago, the disciple of Jesus Christ, adds: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest catches fire with a small spark. The tongue is also fire, a word of evil between the members of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets fire to his entire lifetime, and sets himself on fire through hell” (NIV).

The above texts mean that life is controlled by words. I repeat, life is controlled by words. Words release authority. Words determine the course of events. Words matter. What should you do about it?

Ellen G. White, one of the great founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, gave very good and inspiring answers to the above query. In her book titled “Ministry of Healing” she encouraged us to “Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Reflect on the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and faults.”

She further encouraged us: “When you’re tempted to complain about what someone has said or done, praise something in that person’s life or character. Cultivate gratitude. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to you.” to die for us.”

And for those who enjoy and scoff at criticism, he warned: “Speaking evil is a double curse, which falls more on the one who speaks than on the one who listens. He who spreads the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits”. . The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling on the faults of others, we are transformed into the same image.”

She encouraged “Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, ‘I must work out my own salvation. If I cooperate with the One who wants to save my soul, I must diligently take care of myself. I must become a new creature in Christ. So instead of weakening those who fight evil, I can strengthen them with words of encouragement.” And she added, “We are too indifferent to each other. Too often we forget that our co-workers need strength and sympathy. Help them with your prayers and let them know that you do.”

James stated that “if anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is vain” (James 1:26 NIV).

People remember that no one knows when life ends. Our life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then disappears! That’s why I encouraged you, don’t let your life die like an insect without doing something good for yourself and your fellow man.

Rebecca Barlow Jordan recalls, “It’s not how much you accomplish in life that really counts, but how much you give to others. It’s not how many goals you achieve, but how many lives you touch. Believe in the impossible, hold on to the incredible, and live every step of the way.” day to its fullest potential. You can make a difference in your world.”

Before concluding my article, I would like to share with you a brief history of Bird Song.

Sufi Bayazi says this about himself: “I was a revolutionary when I was young, and all my prayers to God were… ‘Lord, give me the energy to change the world.’

As I neared middle age and realized that half my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to… “Lord, give me the grace to change everyone I came in contact with.” Just my family and friends, I’ll be happy.”

Now that I am an old man and my days are remembered, my only prayer is “Lord, give me the grace to change MYSELF”.

If I had prayed for this from the beginning, I shouldn’t have wasted my life.

My prayer and goal to God is that this article that I have written here will help you and improve your life to become a productive individual, a source of encouragement and a source of inspiration to other people!

Once again, I encouraged you not to let your life die like a bug without doing something good for yourselves and your fellow man. Use your life as a source of encouragement and a source of inspiration for other people!

Remember that life is so short! So use it for a productive, meaningful and peaceful life with yourself and your fellow man.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…think about such things.” ” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

I wish you many blessings to come and God bless you!

Moses Padin Reconalla