Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6

Words are powerful and I think most of us recognize the words we speak have a great ability to influence others and so we have a responsibility to speak wisely. Consider this quote from Bible translator and pastor, J.B. Phillips –

Phillips recognized the importance of choosing our words carefully. Notice that he perceived words should be selected to “cunningly pass men’s defenses and explode silently and effectually within their minds.” How do you interpret those words?

How often do we speak without thinking? How often are our words less than gracious? Or are our words so “kind” we avoid speaking difficult truths?