Speak wisely; people are listening (James 3:2-12). We all have a story of when our words hurt someone else, or of when we have been hurt by the words of someone else. We intuitively know that words are powerful, and yet we often treat them like they’re not. Treating words lightly produces heavy and damaging consequences. Scripture is clear that our tongue and the words we speak – like a rudder on a ship or a bit in a horse’s mouth – have immeasurable weight and impact, especially in our families (James 3:3-4). In our flesh, our words are often a reckless spark that leads to a destructive wildfire. With the Holy Spirit, our words can produce life, joy, peace, and hope. We grow in speaking wisely by examining our hearts, speaking truth in love, being quick to listen (and slow to speak), avoiding extreme language, intentionally encouraging, and choosing to forgive or ask for forgiveness.