There's a Crack in Your Armor Perry Stone

negative or dangerous words, which set in motion a wheel of destruction, moving them from one destructive event to another. Whoever said “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” apparently was never insulted or abused, cursed or ridiculed by words, because negative and hateful words will crush the spirit and build mental strongholds in the mind. There are various types of words, including bitter words (Ps. 64:3), hateful words (Ps. 109:3), flattering words (Prov. 2:16), grievous words (Prov. 15:1), and wounding words (Prov. 18:8). On the other hand there are truthful words (Prov. 22:21), words of knowledge (Prov. 19:27), pleasant words (Prov. 15:26), and wise words (Prov. 23:9). The spiritual condition and attitude of a speaker will determine if either bitter or sweet water will flow from their words. We are informed, “Do not be rash with your mouth . . . let your words be few” (Eccles. 5:2). James later wrote that we should give an answer of simply yes or no so that we do not engage in a conversation that will eventually lead to some form of condemnation (James 5:12). James taught that if you can bridle your tongue and not offend others with your words, then you are a “perfect man” (James 3:2). Only through divinely inspired wisdom that comes from above can a person rule over the most unruly member of our bodies—the tongue (v. 8). Wise men and women are known by their good conversations and good works (v. 13). Our prayer should always be, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O L ORD , my strength and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14). Someone said we should always think before we speak, but there are times when,