Words Get in the Way

With sincerest apologies to Gloria Estefan, my words get in the way all the time! They're not even always words of anger, they are often words spoken out of time or even confessions from my heart that get me into trouble. I do try to use my words to build others up, but that may be only when I'm on my very best behavior. the Bible' book of Proverbs says "... the tongue has power of life and death... (chapter 18, verse 21). Am I using my words to encourage people and strengthen them or do I use them to tear others down, thinking that's how I can build myself up? Oh, how I need Jesus!!!