today I am wondering what the world would be like if everyone followed the guideline given in these words, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”   would the world suddenly fall silent for lack of nice (kind) words to say?

would conversation cease?  what about public discourse?  would social media cease to function?

would the silence be deafening?  or soothing?  or golden?  would the silence allow us to hear what we could not hear before?  are there voices discernible only in the silence?  would we learn to listen in the silence?  would we discover words of affirmation, encouragement, empathy, compassion, hope, healing and kindness?   I can’t help but wonder . . .

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  (Ephesians 4:29)

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  (Proverbs 18:21)

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  (Matthew 12:37)

sincerely,         Grace Day