Like fire, words can either burn or warm

A written Prayer by Peter Marshall:

It is difficult not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. I need Thee, o Lord, for a curb on my tongue; when I am tempted to make carping criticisms and cruel judgments, keep me from speaking barbed words that hurt, and in which I find perverted satisfaction. Keep me from unkind words and from unkind silences. Restrain my judgments. Make my criticisms kind, generous and constructive. Make me sweet inside that I may be gentle with people, gentle in the things I say, kind in what I do. Create in me that warmth of mercy that shall enable others to find Thy strength for their weakness, They peace for their strife, Thy joy for their sorrow, They love for their hatred, Thy compassion for their weaknesses.

In thine own strong name, I pray. Amen.