Words are tools. We use them to express ourselves, to communicate, and to connect with others. We use them to vent frustrations and to express joy. We use them to bless and to curse. We use words to manipulate and control and to help and encourage. We use words in ways that tear others down, and we use them in ways that build others up. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose” (MSG). Words aren’t neutral. They are productive. There is no avoiding this truth – our words will either have positive or negative ramifications. We all know the power of our words, so why do we still struggle to use them in ways that bring life rather than death?