Our words are like hammers.

With hammers, we can build and beautify, or we can demolish and break down. We can direct these word hammers towards ourselves just as easily as we do towards others. For most of us, words flow naturally, spoken without much thought. We aren’t as cautious as we would be when handling actual hammers. 

When we hold a hammer and feel its weight, we become conscious of its power. It is not a tool to be carelessly wielded. You don’t need to swing a hammer forcefully to generate enough energy to cause damage. It’s wise to apply this same understanding to how we speak. 

The poet Rumi gives us a threefold test to assess the words we use. He says there are three gates our words must pass before being spoken into existence. 

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it kind?

As we interact with others, may all of our words pass through these gates.