The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4

Have you ever stopped to consider that your words are a powerful force for good (or for evil) in this world? Think about it.

• When that friend whispered that word of encouragement to you, how did it make you feel?
• When was the last time that you gave a well thought out word to someone?
• When was the last time you praised someone for their talent?
• When was the last encouraging word you gave to a child?

A pastor friend of mine used to give people double thumbs up while sitting at a stop light. He didn’t know the people, but invariably they would give him at least one thumbs up in return. “Hardly encouraging,” you say? What will that person be thinking over the next hour? Why did this crazy man give me thumbs up? She will recount it years later. Or let me put it another way, what harm does it do? Does it discourage? Of course not.

The point here is that there are a million different ways of encouraging someone. Verbally is one way; gestures are yet another way.

But, know this, we all need encouragement. If not today, tomorrow.