Greetings are ingrained in the biblical stories. The celebration greeting that Adam gave Eve is iconic. The reconciliation greeting that Esau gave Jacob is heartwarming. The intercession greeting that Epaphras gave the church at Colossae is inspirational. The recognition greeting that Joseph gave his brothers is convicting.

Greetings can also be used for irreparable hurt and damage. The greeting Cain gave Abel was lethal. The greeting Nabal gave David’s men was despicable. The greeting Judas gave Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane was treacherous.

As Solomon so wisely said, “The tongue has the power of life and

death . . . .”