The World War II phrase, "Loose lips sink ships" (together with a number of similar others) have been the brunt of many a witticism or pun over the years. Their origin was at first quite serious, as the phrases were no laughing matter as they appeared on propaganda posters during the Second World War. Although perhaps a bit humorous today, back then, when the entire world was at war, it was part of a general campaign by Allied governments to advise servicemen, workers in shipyards and employees at defense plants to avoid careless talk concerning information regarding troop and ship movements that might be overheard by foreign agents. That seemingly innocent talk could be and was used against Allied efforts.

The phrase "Loose lips sink ships" remained part of an American expression for the remainder of the century. When used in a serious context, it became an admonition to avoid careless talk.

Why should we care about such phrases today? Consider this fact: Careless talk over the millennia has probably created more conflict than any other cause. Through such casual and unthinking speech, relationships are destroyed. Churches split. Wars costing the lives of millions and multiple billions of dollars can be traced back to what people have said, true or not, about one another.

This malady is described so accurately in the book of James:

"For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things."

Sound familiar? Can you relate to this? James continues:

"See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:2-8).

The power of speech greatly transcends what we think it might possess.

Let's consider what the books of Proverbs refers to when it documents the power of the tongue. Note how powerful the language is when describing how human words can be used for good or harm:

"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable" (Proverbs 10:31-32). "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment" (Proverbs 12:18-20).

"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:2-4).

Every day I work with people who often have differences of opinion with one another. Combined together and considered maturely, those differences can produce great work. But I'm more than a little saddened when differences turn to words of hurt. The Latin phrase often used to describe this is ad hominem, literally "you also." It generally refers to an unfounded or misdirected personal attack on another person.

Ask yourself: Are your words the kind that generate conflict and broken relationships? Or do they represent words of kindness and encouragement? In a twisted way, it can feel so "sweet" or self-justifying for us to criticize and condemn.

Regarding this, do we really comprehend how hurtful our "well-intentioned" words can be? Do we think of our words' effect and whether they should they be repeated (which they no doubt will be, if it's a criticism)? What if your words embroil or influence one who only hears your critical view? What effect will it have on them? Loose critical talk has always been a problem of mankind, and as James rightly warns, the small physical tongue can cause a tempest.

Let's not only beware of the dangers of spreading fear and pessimism, but respect the fact that our words can be powerful in bringing goodness and life.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). Let's put away ad hominem attacks and any 21st century outcomes where "Loose lips sink ships." As the Bible teaches us, we are to "choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19). Let's build up with our words and offer strength and encouragement.

PS: Our Church website—ucg.org—is a full of spiritual treasures about the power of human speech. You can look on our website for commentaries that we have written on this subject at

http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/treasure-digest-acid-tongue/

http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/words-encouragement

Do you have your own story about the power of words? I'd like to hear your comments about this. Please write to me at victor_kubik@ucg.org.