Freshwater or Saltwater Words

Do your kids sometimes struggle with their words? Perhaps they have picked up some language you’d prefer they not use, complain often, or tear people down. Try this activity with your kids to explain the difference between positive words and words that negatively impact others.

First, gather a Bible, a cup for each kid, a container of salt and a pitcher of water. Explain to your kids that you are going to read a part of the Bible that teaches us about our words and then talk about it together.  

Read James 3:3-12. Pause periodically to make sure kids understand the symbolism being used and what a horse bit and a ship’s rudder are. Clarify for your kids that all of these descriptions are symbols of how powerful our words are.

When you have finished reading, pour some water into each cup. Explain that this is freshwater.  This water is nourishing for our bodies. Our bodies need to have freshwater to survive.  

Explain that positive words are like freshwater. Ask kids to give examples of freshwater words. These could be encouragement, compliments, letting people know you care, positive attitudes when things don’t go as planned, etc.  

Now, pull out the salt. Remind kids that saltwater is different from freshwater. People can’t drink saltwater – it is bad for our bodies and people can even die from thirst even if they are surrounded by saltwater.  

Ask the kids to give you examples of words that would be like saltwater. With each example they give, pour some salt in their cups of water. Examples may include bad language, tearing people down, bragging, complaining, or yelling out of anger.    

When you have finished discussing different examples, remind the kids of James 3:10-11. God wants our words to be like freshwater – encouraging, life-giving, and helpful to those around us.

If desired, let kids taste the saltwater in their cups to see how nasty and unpleasant it is. Remind them that when people hear saltwater words, it can feel as bad as that saltwater tastes. When finished tasting, rinse their cup and give them freshwater to drink instead.  

Over the next few weeks, encourage your kids when you hear positive words coming out of their mouths – “Wow, I love those freshwater words!”  You can also gently remind your children not to use negative words – “Buddy, that sounds like saltwater to me.  Can you change those words and try again?” 

Try this with your family and it won’t be long before bad habits start fading and your kids develop more awareness of the types of words they use.  

 

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