The Bible says a lot about the way we speak, often warning of the destructive potential of the tongue. But the flip side also gets mentioned—the power of well-spoken words.

Here are three such encouragements from the book of Proverbs:

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land (25:25).

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone (25:15).

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (24:26).

When we speak truth with grace our words heal, and bring hope, and move people to do great things.

In a world filled with bellowing, featuring an endless cacophony of speech, I find it more important than ever to slow down and speak well.

Week twenty-four of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Juri Gianfrancesco