We have all heard the old saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Sadly, we live in a society in which lying is normal, spread by the mendacious mass media, politics, education, and big tech censorship, all inspired by the father of liars—Satan the devil (John 8:44). Emotional damage from hurtful words is more deadly to our nervous system than we had ever imagined, lingering long past the healing time of any cut or broken bone, perpetuating negativity, resentment, and distrust. We dare not underestimate the power of our words and the impact of the spoken word. Jesus's half-brother James warns us to control our tongues, affirming that holding the tongue in check is tantamount to perfection. Of the six things the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:12-19), spreading discord among brethren in most abominable. One of the most egregious forms of lying is tale-bearing or gossip, equivalent to character assassination (the ninth commandment), too often engaged in freely by spiritual siblings, thinking erroneously that by finding fault with others, it will make them look better. Gossip is always a means of finding fault rather than praising another. The apostle Paul admonishes us to speak the truth so that we do not injure another through lies, emulating our Savior by being tenderhearted, ready to forgive, letting go of bitterness. When we speak kindly, truthfully, and lovingly, it shows that our hearts in alignment with God's values. Consequently, we should emulate the Psalmist David, asking that God would place a guard over the door of our lips.