Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV
How mighty are the words we use!
When I was growing up, if someone called you a name, you stuck your tongue out and said, “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never hurt me.” It sounded good coming from an elementary kid, but in reality it wasn’t true. No, in fact, sometimes the pain of words stays with you longer than the bruises do from sticks and stones.
Often my wife has to remind me not to be so harsh with my words. It is not that I intend to be mean, I just sometimes fail to think before I speak. It seems those closest to me end up being the ones hurt the most. (Can you identify or am I alone here?)
How important it is for us, the “salt of the earth,” to watch our words closely! We need always to temper our speech with love. Our greatest desire should be to show the love of Christ through our actions, including the way we respond to the people around us. It never ceases to amaze me just who is watching and listening.
If only we can tame the tongue we may have a handle on witnessing to a lost and dying world!
Oh, be careful what you say today!
In our home we say “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can ALWAYS hurt me.”
Amen, Mr. R!
Great post and thanks for sharing.
There is never a time when we are more like our Creator than when we “speak” our reality into existence.
Keep the faith and keep lookin’ up!
~Ronald
TrueBeliever & HopeDealer
I tell my kids, “Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can break your heart.” It’s a good lesson for us at any age.