"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21). We’ve all heard this scripture, but how often do we actually stop to measure the weight of the words we speak to our spouse? In the daily grind of marriage—when we are tired, stressed, or frustrated—our words can easily shift from building up to quietly tearing down.In this episode, Robert and Kaci put our communication under the microscope. We ask the hard, convicting question: Are the words coming out of my mouth bringing life to my spouse, or are they slowly draining it away?Reflecting on our 20 years together, we share how we transitioned from a secular pattern of communication—where sarcasm, keeping score, and defensive jabs were the norm—to a biblical standard of edification. We talk about the difference between constructive honesty and destructive criticism, and how to speak truth in love, even when you’re angry.If your daily conversations with your spouse have started to feel more like a minefield than a safe haven, this episode is a breath of fresh air. Let’s learn how to use our words to heal, restore, and strengthen our covenant.📌 What We Cover in This Episode:The Slow Leak: Recognizing the "micro-harms" we commit with our tone, sarcasm, rolling eyes, and passive-aggressive comments.What is Edification? Unpacking what it practically means to "build up" your spouse according to Ephesians 4:29.Speaking Life in the Storms: How our communication had to change to survive the trials of infidelity, cancer, and prison.The "Before You Speak" Audit: Practical filters to run your words through before they leave your mouth when tension is high.