Do Our Words Give Life?

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life...the tongue of the righteous is as choice silver...the lips of the righteous feed many" (Prov.10:11, 20, 21). There is life giving, valuable, sustaining power in the words of those who are walking with God. As I read these words in Scripture I had to ask myself if my words communicate life or death to others? Are my words precious or pernicious? Do the things I say to others nourish them or drain them? All too often selfish demands, unhealthy comparisons, and/or unrealistic expectations give rise to words that do not give life, are not precious, and do not nourish. What a powerful force is in our words. I know I desire for my lips to speak words that are a "fountain of life" to others. Oh Lord, forgive me for failing to trust you fully and for not speaking what is life-giving.