If you want to keep your marriage ‘ship-shape’ you can apply this saying and avert disaster.

There is power in your words. Power to make strong or power to destroy. Husbands and wives learn to use this power to either build up or hurt their mates.

Many arguments could be averted if one person would learn to hold their tongue. It’s hard to have a one-way argument.

Words can become weapons against the one that we love. They can cause wounds that are deep and years later will still cause angry reactions.

During one argument I decided to react in a different way. Without saying a word, I prayed silently in my mind, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

I knew that God had heard my prayer and intervened on my behalf without my saying a word. Since that time, I realized that by choosing the time and place to have a serious discussion is very important to it’s outcome.

When your husband comes home tired from work, that may not be the best time to harass him with a list of all the repairs that need to be done. He will have a much more receptive attitude after he’s rested.

The same holds true when talking about sensitive subjects. Money, budgets, household problems, child discipline problems—all these can cause upheaval in a marriage. When someone is very angry it may not be the best time to reasonably discuss changes.

Minor problems to one person may be major problems to the other. Choosing the time to bring the problem up for discussion is very important. If the problem cannot be solved at night, discussing it right before bedtime can cause friction and agitation. Arguments or sullen behavior are not conducive to a good night’s rest.

Learning to curb our natural impulses and not blurt out inflammatory comments will strengthen our character. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit. When we ask God into the situation, the blessings of God will come in to help and to heal marriages.

Words that build up and strengthen the bond of marriage are positive words. When we encourage and support one another, we become more receptive.

If words of criticism and negativism constantly flow from your mouth, the person on the receiving end protects their feelings by building a wall. Some walls are built little by little, some are created immediately. But it may take years to chip away the effects of that wall.

Thinking of the outcome before you speak is hard to do, but with God, all things are possible!

Change is possible….and change is necessary for growth. Your marriage, your children, and your own personal growth will improve when you measure the impact of your words on others.

Our words can spread joy or take away joy. Create happiness in others and they may return the favor. Think before you speak, and then speak from intelligence instead of emotion.

Delayed reactions can become changed reactions. Those changes can make all the difference in the world.

We have no choice. We have to make it through the rest of our lives. But how we finish the journey is up to us. It makes it easier on ourselves, if we don’t create unnecessary negative emotions—in ourselves or others.

The secret is...premeditation! You can’t—by impulse—come up with a spectacular meal. You can’t—by impulse—come up with a fantastic wedding for your daughter. Important things take planning, preparation and pre-meditation.

Are relationships important? Is your marriage important? Then remember this one thing—It will never be made strong by impulsive reactions.