Proverbs 16:27

Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil. (Proverbs 16:27)

Three points:

1. Words do hurt.

It doesn't take much intelligence to know that. The question is, "What kind of words am I saying?" What is the look on our face, the tone of our voice, and the emphasis of our words? There are many ways to say, "I love you." It can be mocking, tender, meaningful, sarcastic, shouting, snarling; the same words can show love or hate.

2. Evil people

If it is evil people who are looking for ways to hurt others and their words "burn with evil", then we want OUR words not be this way. This is a day and age of hurtful words. Often they are given to the ones we say we love.

3. Words and actions are related.

What is in our hearts comes out in what we say and what we do. Let us start to speak loving words and doing loving deeds. Sometimes constructive criticism is thought of as being hurtful words, but often that very rebuke sets one on the right road.