Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

I like to think that I've got my mouth pretty much under control.  I don't go off on people, automatically spouting whatever comes to mind.  I try to be considerate of other people's feelings.  If my speech ever borders on being offensive, I figure it's only because I'm trying to speak the truth; and sometimes the truth hurts.  Right?  I can't control how other people respond to the truth.  That's their problem.  Right?

This way of thinking may hold some truth.  Proverbs chapter 12 would affirm this, to a certain extent.  Verse 22 says that God delights in men who are truthful, and verse 1 says that he who hates correction (or who responds badly to correction) is just plain stupid.  But then again, I am challenged by Proverbs 12:18 -- which says that there is a direct correlation between the way words are spoken and the effect that those words have on the listener.  Thus, if I perceive that my words are having a negative or offensive effect on others, I should not always assume that it's their problem.  In fact, I should be compelled to double-check:  Am I speaking reckless words or wise words?  Is the ultimate effect of my speech more like a weapon or more like medicine?  Sometimes, of course, medicine can feel momentarily painful, like getting stitches for a gaping cut or applying antiseptic solution to an open scrape.  But still, we should be able to tell the difference between a wounding effect and a healing effect.

It's tricky stuff, trying to sort out our junk from other people's junk.  Even so, it's good to remember that our ultimate goal is healing.  Healing is even more important than speaking the truth.  And our words have a lot to do with that.  It's certainly something to consider...