“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34, NASB).

In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11, NASB)​

when words serve as shields, from what do they protect,
if not often the guise of self-righteousness as respect,
for words side with sins when used to shield, though save as a sword,
when responding with Truth to that which is deplored,

and be it so humble in how such Truth is spoken,
with power of Spirit—not tone of word—be awoken,
that hearts are pierced with a fierce love manifest,
which sins veiled in deceptions cannot successfully contest,

though ignorant ears may allow for rebellious resistance,
as unfounded emotions—not wisdom, nor love—encourage persistence,
but time is Truth’s ally in the ensuing entanglement—the fool’s fight,
leading lies from dark shadows, to penumbra, and eventually light,

hence suffering and loss is ephemeral when Truth is on tongue,
for words from such hearts engage in battles already won.