Bricks to Build On

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. - Ecclesiastes 10:12

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Arthur Gordon, who wrote the inspiring book "A Touch of Wonder," once told a story about two groups of fledging writers that formed on a Midwest campus many years ago. One group of male students called themselves the Stranglers, and when they assessed papers written by other members of their group, they were merciless in their criticism. The other group composed of female students named them- selves the Wranglers. They took a different tack. Instead of tearing apart the work of their fellow writers, they tried to offer each other praise and encouragement and constructive comments.

Long after the students had graduated, someone made a discovery. Not one of the ultra-critical group ever wrote anything of significance while several women in the more positive fellowship went on to literary accomplishment.

If you want to achieve some distant goal or if you want to help someone else climb a difficult pinnacle, remember that encouragement and praise are the bricks to build on, not brickbats. Critics and cynics belong to a demolition company bent on destruction, while positive, enthusiastic people are in the construction business, dedicated to the advancement and building up of others.

Today, choose words that inspire others to make the most of themselves. Help them reach their God-given potential.

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29 NIV



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