Power of words

In our small group, we've been looking at the power of our words to encourage and build or to, unfortunately tear down and destroy. It's truly scary for me to see how much what I say to Kathryn, Emily or Andrew can affect their lives, their faith and everything. Gulp! I recently finished reading through proverbs, and here are a couple of proverbs I really love because they show the power for good words can accomplish:

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! (15:23)

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (16:24)