question #3 Sahih Muslim 1016c, Book 12, Hadith 86 : What is the significance of using kind words as a means of protection in Islamic belief?

Guard (yourselves) against Fire. He turned his face and diverted his attention till we thought as if he were (actually seeing it and then said: Protect yourselves against Fire even if it is with half a date, and he who does not find it, (he should do so) with pleasant words. Abu Kuraib did not mention the word: (as if).