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"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" -- Proverbs 15:4.

For once, I'm going to listen to my better angels.

This isn't easy for an editorial writer whose stock in trade is criticism. But my minister is preaching a series of sermons from the Bible's Book of Proverbs, and for this column I resolve to wise up.

Rather than use the power of the press to crush the spirit of public figures who sometimes fall under the weight of journalistic scorn, I will use healing words only. After all, there's something good to say about everyone, and every once in a while that's what we ought to do. So, here goes.

Former Sen. John Edwards:

If you ever wanted a terrific lawyer, he was your man.

He ran an outstanding campaign for the Senate in 1998.

He cares about eradicating poverty.

Former Gov. Mike Easley:

He's a good family man.

He sent a lot of bad guys to prison when he was a prosecutor.

He's said to be an expert furniture maker.

Mary Easley:

She was a strong supporter of the N.C. Museum of Art.

Students at N.C. State and N.C. Central Law School spoke highly of her as a teacher.

Gov. Bev Perdue:

She makes tough decisions, even at the cost of popularity.

She probably has the best sense of humor of any recent governor.

She loves Carolina basketball.

The late Sen. Jesse Helms:

You always knew where he stood.

He was cordial in person.

He was a tenacious campaigner, winning five straight elections.

Former Gov. Jim Hunt:

He got around. If you never saw him in person, you must not have lived in North Carolina during the 16 years he was governor.

He wasn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with Jesse Helms.

He was, simply, The Governor.

Guilford County Commissioners Chairman Skip Alston:

No self-esteem problems.

Strong leadership qualities.

He crafted and has maintained an unlikely partnership with Vice Chairman Steve Arnold, his former adversary and opposite number ideologically.

Mayor Yvonne Johnson:

She is soft-spoken and has a voice like honey.

She tries to build consensus.

She appealed to a wide cross-section of voters in all her campaigns.

City Councilman Mike Barber:

He generates ideas as easily as other people breathe.

He knows when it's a good time not to run for mayor.

Superintendent Mo Green:

Cool under pressure.

An analytical thinker.

Determined to do the right thing, even if the outcome is painful, as in the Northern Guilford athletics troubles.

Former Superintendent Terry Grier:

He should be a whiz in geography, having been hired by school boards all over the country.

But he must have liked Guilford County better than anywhere else, because he stayed here longer.

He's got a tough hide. Criticism, even vitriolic attacks, just bounce off.

Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski:

He's a winner.

He's loyal to his school.

He coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal last year in Beijing and now he's aiming for 2012.

Singer Clay Aiken:

He still lives in Raleigh, even though he's a big star.

He's a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and supports other children's causes.

You have to admit, he's got talent.

State Rep. Earl Jones:

He marches to the beat of a different drummer.

He sees virtue where others see vice.

He's a Star Trek fan.

See? That wasn't so hard. And, if I could do it, you can, too. So, even if you hated this column, remember:

 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" -- Proverbs 10:19.

 Doug Clark can be reached at dgclark@news-record.com or 373-7039.