How can I avoid insulting others? - Insults - TouchPoints

James 3:5-6, 9The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself . . . Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God.

1 Peter 3:10The Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”

We can avoid insulting others if we think before we speak. It is usually better to not say what we are thinking because we cannot take back what comes out of our mouths. The damage will already have been done.

Proverbs 10:11The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

Proverbs 10:32The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Proverbs 12:6, 18The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. . . . Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 15:4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 18:4,21Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. . . . The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

We can avoid insulting others if we speak nurturing, helpful, healing words that build up others.

Proverbs 9:7Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.

Proverbs 22:10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

We can avoid insulting others if we avoid hanging around those who consistently mock and insult. Unless we can influence them for good, we will likely be influenced by them.

1 Peter 3:8-9Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

We can receive God’s blessing by treating one another with sympathy, tenderheartedness, and humility—not with vengeful retaliation and damaging words.

Proverbs 21:23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

We can avoid insulting others if we simply don’t answer insults we receive and just remain silent.