Sticks and stones may break my bones ...
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 14 Aug 2011 in From Steve's Study ::
You may remember hearing, or saying this little ditty as a child, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. It’s an admirable sentiment, meant to let the person who is teasing you know that you won’t be put off by the things they say.
The only problem with this little saying is that it’s completely wrong! Sure, words don’t have the power to physically break the skin, but they can have a much more long-ranging and damaging effect than sticks or stones could.
The writers of Proverbs knew this all too well. Listen to some of the things they say about the power of words:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. (18:21)
“A tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit”. (15:4)
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. (16:24)
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”. (25:11)
Words are incredibly important. They have the power to do great good, or untold harm. James warns us that though it is a small part of the body, the tongue has the power to determine the whole course of a human’s existence (Jas 3:5,6). You only need to look at the impact of overly critical, or hurtful words used by parents on their children to see the long-term damage words can cause.
When we come together as God’s people, we need to try at all times to “build each other up” (1 Cor 14:26) rather than tear each other down. We have the power to send people home encouraged and inspired, or deflated and down-hearted.
How will you use your words today? What words of comfort, encouragement and joy can you say? Do you need to thank someone for their ministry to you or your children? Can you let someone know that you’re praying for them in their ministry or life difficulties? Will you speak words of life or death?
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