Words carry spirit. They can build or destroy, bless or curse, give life or drain it. To speak positively of others is to wield your voice as a tool of healing and empowerment. It is a conscious choice to speak of people in ways that honor their humanity, even when they are not present. Especially when they are not present.

This virtue teaches that gossip, slander, or backbiting dishonors not just the one spoken of, but also the speaker. Your words echo beyond the moment, impacting how others are perceived, how trust is built, and what kind of world you help shape through language. When you choose to uplift, to highlight the good in others, you become a vessel through which life-force flows.

When imbalanced, our words become weapons. We use them to shame, mock, control, or belittle. We may curse people with our tongues without realizing we are also cursing ourselves, because what we project outward has a way of returning. Entire spirits can be crushed by a careless comment.

The artwork shows one woman speaking in the direction of another, her words forming radiant patterns that bloom into a glowing halo around the listener’s head. This symbolizes the power of life-giving speech, words that affirm, elevate, and reveal the sacred light in those around us.