Kind Words

The longer I am on this earth, the more I value the power of kind words. From a simple but sincere hello to an honest compliment, words do so much more than we sometimes care to admit. James teaches in the bible that,

 "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (1)

I believe these particular words to be true. This idea of "bridling" the body is one that is worth considering. The word "bridle" means "to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle." (2) A bridle is what is often used for "guiding and controlling a horse." (3) This goes around the mouth of the horse and by pulling the rope in particular ways, a rider to guide the horse.

It is no different for each of us. We must place a figurative bridle on ourselves. Just as the bridle around the horse controls the whole horse,  the same is true with our mouths. The words we choose to speak influence our whole actions. Therefore, if we are able to control our words, as if with a bridle, we will be able to control our whole being.

I believe this to be true for numerous reasons; one of them I wish to express now. Words are easy. and words are cheap. What I mean by "easy" and "cheap" is that they are easily formed, with little effort, and if they stand alone, the words don't mean much seemingly. 
Because it is so easy to talk and speak our mind, we can struggle at controlling what we do say.

If we can come to master our mouths we are on our way to mastering our whole selves. Let us begin with choosing kind words. 


(1) James 3:2
(2) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridle
(3) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridle

Picture credit - http://inspirationalstorytellers.com