As I stepped outside early for my walk/jog, I was serenaded by mourning doves. Ah, so peaceful!

But, before I rounded the first corner, I heard the neighborhood woodpeckers. Mind you, this sound in no way resembles the woodpeckers I’ve enjoyed in the woods. Oh no, these release their speed-drilling talent on the metal vents on roofs and on the stucco that covers the outside walls of homes.

It’s just not right! That sound should not be correlated with woodpeckers.

As I continued on my trek, I thought of how sometimes the things that come out of our mouths don’t correlate with who we are as God’s people. Are we complaining or arguing? Speaking negatively about another believer? Speaking untruthfully or being unnecessarily critical?

Here are some verses that remind us of what we should or should not sound like:

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11a).

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). (Don’t sound like annoying woodpeckers.)

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25).

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

The book of Proverbs is rich with wisdom about words. Try reading a chapter a day for a month. Then repeat.

Sorry if woodpeckers got a bad rap-a-tap-tap today. Just trying to drill the lesson home.

May we be “innocent as doves” (Mtt. 10:16).