When Words Hurt - Sticks and Stones...

by Jennifer Haynes

For some reason this topic is always heavy on my heart. I guess it is because hurting words is a big part of my testimony ...... I don't think that it can be stressed enough just how much words can hurt and heal. Each time I read something about this subject, I learn something new and hopefully you will too.



From the Discovery Series - RBC Ministries

THE POWER OF WORDS
We cannot afford to underestimate the importance and power of our words. The New Testament writer James said that even though the human tongue is a small part of the body, it has the power to make a tremendous impact (Jasper 3:1-12). The book of Proverbs reminds us that "the tongue has the power of life and death" (18:21). The language we use to communicate with one another is like a knife. In the hands of a careful and skilled surgeon, a knife can work to do good. But in the hands of a careless or ignorant person, it can cause great harm. So it is with words.

THE POWER TO DO GOOD
The Bible teaches that a kind word can uplift, nourish, and mend a broken heart. Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." A well-considered word can help to restore confidence, hope and purpose to one who feels dejected, lost and confused.

THE POWER TO HARM
Remember the schoolyard comeback, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." It's a lie. Unkind words DO injure - sometimes deeply. Being yelled at or called a name like "stupid" or "idiot," can inflict a wound that will fester for years.

We often don't take seriously the power of the tongue to assault and its ability to devastate. A few inconsiderate works can kill one's friend. Proverbs 12:18 states that "reckless words pierce like a sword." James described the tongue as being "full of deadly poison" (3:8). Psalm 52:2 speaks of the tongue as a "sharpened razor" that works to bring about the destruction of another.

Does this mean that we should never cause pain with our words? No. There is a time for "verbal surgery." Some situations require compassionate and skillful use of incisive words that may cause pain. (Proverbs 27:6). All of us need admonition, correction, and constructive criticism at times. Even though they are necessary, such words still hurt. But this is not the kind of pain that harms (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). It is pain intended to help us grow.

Far too often, however, a loving motive is missing in the pain we cause with our words. It is more likely that we will use hurtful words in the process of attacking one another. Unfortunately, such instances of verbal warfare are all too common.
As regrettable as it is, we all experience the conflict and discord that occurs when we use our words to control and hurt one another.

Together we need to think carefully about words that violate the spirit.


Remember: "Be encouraged, by being an encourager!" -Jennifer K. Haynes

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