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Use your words as building blocks, not battering rams.

The concept of using words as building blocks rather than battering rams aligns well with biblical teachings on communication and relationships. Every word you say will affect others. Positive words will encourage and strengthen other people, but negative words will tear them down and harm them. You must decide whether to speak positively or negatively. Please understand that speaking positively requires a deliberate decision, whereas speaking negatively comes easily—for it is human nature. Therefore, actively strive to say positive and encouraging words to others.

Here are several relevant Bible verses that underline this principle:

1. Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Unsurprisingly, the Bible instructs us to say beneficial things about others. This verse encourages individuals to speak constructively and beneficially, reflecting the idea of using words as building blocks.

2. Proverbs 15:1: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." And "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Here, the importance of gentle and thoughtful communication is highlighted. Speaking positive, uplifting words is extremely important. A soft response can defuse conflict, while harsh words can escalate it, suggesting that we can choose to build understanding rather than knock down goodwill.

3. Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse emphasizes the impact of gracious words, illustrating how they can foster positive interactions and growth in relationships.

4. Proverbs 18:21: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This highlights the significant impact of our words, reinforcing the idea that they can either constructively build up or destructively tear down.

5. In Psalm 19:14, David prays, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." David clearly knew the importance of words, and so he prayed that he would speak words that were pleasing to God.

6. James 1:19-20: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." This passage encourages thoughtful communication that prioritizes active listening and measured responses, promoting a peaceful and constructive dialogue.

7. Matthew 12:34: "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." This verse suggests that our words reflect our inner attitudes. By nurturing a positive heart, we can use our words to create and build rather than to destroy.

These verses collectively emphasize the importance of mindful communication that builds relationships, fosters understanding, and cultivates a positive environment. Using words as building blocks reflects a commitment to love, respect, and understanding in our interactions with others.

We must deliberately choose to speak positive words; otherwise, we will instinctively complain and be negative—for that is human nature. Thus, it is no surprise that Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, "Do not be quick with your mouth; do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Similarly, Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Usually, when you "hold" your tongue, you'll catch yourself before you say nasty things about others and cut them down with your words.

Lastly, it is important to understand that whatever you say reflects your heart's attitude. Matthew 12:34 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (also see Luke 6:45). In other words, your words are simply an overflow of what's in your heart. If you think poorly about others, you'll speak poorly about them. On the other hand, if you think positively about others, as the Bible instructs us to, then you'll talk positively about them.

Since words carry power, decide to use your words as building blocks, not battering rams.