Speak Kind Words to Others
Have you noticed how harsh our public conversations have become? It feels like the days of calm, respectful leadership are long gone. Instead of thoughtful dialogue, we see people shouting, arguing, and pushing aggressively to get their way. President Theodore Roosevelt once advised, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” Today, many people seem to have flipped that around—speaking loudly while swinging the biggest stick they can find—hoping force will get them what they want.
However, Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We’ve all seen this play out: harsh words escalate arguments, while a calm response can defuse tension almost instantly. Proverbs 15:4 goes even deeper, saying that a twisted or harsh tongue can crush someone’s spirit. Words can wound—but they can also heal. That’s why Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” God doesn’t want us to use our words to tear others down. He wants us to use them to bless, encourage, and build up.
With so much negativity around us, it can be tempting to imitate the loudest voices—especially when the rude or aggressive people seem to get attention. But the Bible warns us not to follow their example. Proverbs 22:24–25 says to avoid those with hot tempers, because their behavior can rub off on us. We become like the people we spend time with—and we speak like them, too.
So, what should we do instead? We can choose to speak with patience, compassion, and truth. Scripture encourages us to respond with humility, to avoid returning insult for insult, and to treat others with sympathy and love (1 Peter 3:8–9). This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations—it means having them with grace. Speaking truthfully, but gently. Correcting when needed, but always with love.
Let’s be people who bring peace into tense moments… who build up instead of tear down… who shine God’s character through our words.
Each day, we have countless chances to bless someone simply by the way we speak. Let’s choose words that show kindness, patience, and love.
Proverbs 15:1, 4
New International Version
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 18:21
New International Version
1 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 22:24-25
New International Version
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared
1 Peter 3:8-9
New International Version
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
