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

The author of the inspiring classic, Og Mandino, once wondered: “Why, then, do many of us go out of our way to offend others with offensive criticisms and judgments that so often haunt us? on our journey so deep that our forward progress is ultimately nil? Is this more of that “will to fail” that has already been covered? “

He continued and commented: “If your tongue has been busy accumulating enemies for you, enemies that you do not need and that can harm you, now is as good a time as many to cease and desist. How did you say it would be for such a petty habit to destroy?” . your great potential “.

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

My dear readers, Dale Carnegie recalls, “When dealing with people, let us remember that we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity.” He warns that making “criticisms is a dangerous spark, a spark that can cause an explosion in the tinderbox of pride, an explosion that sometimes hastens death.”

Carnegie continued and gave very good examples in his previous 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. Bitter criticism led to Thomas Chatterton, the English poet, to 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, warned of the evil poison of the tongue. He described some who try to use their tongue as a praise and blessing to God, and then turn to use their tongue to speak ill of one another. “With him we bless our God and Father, and with him we regret cursing men, who have been made in the likeness of God. Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers, this should not be so” (James 3: 9-10). We cannot use our tongue to curse and speak ill of our brothers and then continue “as usual” with our relationship with God. The Bible clearly says that this behavior of the tongue is characteristic of hypocrites. “A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor …” (Proverbs 11: 9).

The great teacher of all time, 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 men will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by their words they will be acquitted and by their words you will be condemned “(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 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21 NIV). James, the disciple of Jesus Christ, adds:” The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great displays . Consider what a large forest is set ablaze by a small spark. The tongue is also fire, a word of evil between the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, burns the entire course of his life, and sets himself afire in 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 previous question. In his book titled “Ministry of Healing,” he encourages us to “cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Reflect on the good qualities of those with whom you associate and observe their mistakes and failures as little as possible.”

In addition, he encouraged us: “When you are 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 us. die for us. “

And for those who enjoy and scoff at criticism, he warned: “Speaking badly is a double curse, falling more heavily on the speaker than on the listener. He who spreads the seeds of dissent and strife reaps in his own hands. soul the mortal fruits. The very act of seeking evil in others develops evil in those who look. By insisting 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 wishes to save my soul, I must diligently watch over myself. I must become a new creature in Christ. So instead of weakening those who fight evil, I can strengthen with words of encouragement. “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. “

Santiago affirmed that “if someone considers himself religious and, nevertheless, does not control his language, he is deceiving himself and his religion is worth nothing” (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! So I encouraged you, do not let your life die like an insect without doing something good to yourself and your fellow men.

Recalls Rebecca Barlow Jordan: “It is not how much you achieve in life that really counts, but how much you give to others. It is not about how many goals you achieve, but how many lives you touch. Believe in the impossible, hold on to the impossible. amazing, and live each 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’s Song.

Sufi Bayazi says this about himself: “I was a revolutionary when I was young, and my whole prayer to God was …” Lord, give me the energy to change the world. “

As I approached 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 all who entered into contact me. Just my family and friends, I’ll be happy. “

Now that I am an elder 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 would not have wasted my life.

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

Once again, I encourage you not to let your life die like an insect without doing something good to yourself and your fellow men. 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 others.

“Finally, brothers, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is right, all that is pure, all that is lovable, all that is admirable … if something is excellent or worthy of praise … think of such things” (Philippians 4 : 8 NIV).

I wish you many blessings and may God bless you!

Moises Padin Reconalla