If You Can't Say Something Nice...

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." To me, speech is such a weird thing. It's so fickle. Because there are so many words that could be said. Although, that doesn't mean they should be said, or maybe they should. It's all about reading the situation and your relationship with the person on the other end of the conversation. Here's the thing...to me, this quote means don't tear others down. If you can't say something to someone to encourage them or lift them up, then don't say it. Now...if someone is being bullied or being put down, you should say something. It doesn't have to be brutal, but...well...I don't know about you, but it would make me angry and I'd probably have some not-so-nice words to say. If someone is tearing you down or mistreating you, the Bible says to turn the other cheek. There is a line though. You have to discern for yourself through conviction, God's Word, your heart, and mind what is right and wrong. That means your speech too. So, protect those who need protection. Words are so powerful, and you change someone's life in a good or bad way and you can change the world with God's help and your words, which He allows to flow through you. So, build up and protect. That's what I get from that quote.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32