November 5, 2026
A few years ago, my beloved was asked to preach the annual sermon at the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. (He’s from Big Creek of Pike County. Neither of us saw that coming.)
He would have the privilege of sharing a sermon with his preacher friends and peers from all over the state.
For the occasion, my beloved did two things. He prayed for the Lord to give him the exact words to speak, and he bought a new pair of pants.
The perfect slacks were chosen at a nice clothing store out of our area. While they weren’t extravagant, they were the nicest britches that Big Creek boy had ever owned.
A short time later, we made our way to the annual meeting in Louisville. He was ready with the Word; I was excited that he would be sharing the Word.
In the hotel room the morning of, I did what I’ve done for decades. I got the ironing board out and plugged in the iron to get his preachin’ clothes ready. I ironed his shirt with great care. Then, it was time to press the fancy pants.
When the iron hit the fabric, it stuck. And sizzled. The heat of the iron scorched the dress pants, leaving a huge mark on the leg. They were ruined. “I’m sooo sorry!” I gasped.
All the points go to my beloved. He calmly said, “I’ll just wear the ones I wore yesterday.” And he did.
A hot iron on poly blend pants can leave a huge mark. Hurtful, critical words can leave a huge mark, too.
Followers of Christ need to be careful with what comes out of our mouths. Proverbs 12:18 shares insight: “Reckless words pierce like a sword…” Yikes!
In the Bible, we find many examples of people who scorched with their words: Pharaoh, Jezebel, Nabal, the Pharisees. Jesus did not. When He saw outcasts, lepers, the demon possessed, people caught in sin, the sick, lame, and blind He saw their worth and potential. He spoke with kindness and compassion.
Galatians 6:10 encourages us to do good to all people when we have the opportunity. I’m gonna say, let us speak good to all people when we have the opportunity. Even in an election year.
Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...” Unwholesome talk is not just four-letter words, but words that tear people down.
Psalm 19:14 shares, “Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in Your eyes, O Lord…” (NLV). Yes, please!
I saw a powerful quote recently but can’t cite the source: “Be the one who leaves people feeling lighter, safer, and more seen. Who speaks with kindness, makes others feel valued, and reminds them of their worth. Be the kind of person people feel better for having met.”
Our words can be sweet as honey, or they can burn a blister, leaving a permanent mark.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife, newspaper columnist, and the author of Weiner Stew: Inspiring Stories from Appalachia. She has just published a Christmas book called A Heart Full of Christmas. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
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