Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” That saying has been used to cushion the blow of unpleasant words for more than 100 years. We know, however, that harsh words can pierce our hearts and shatter our spirits. Bruises and broken bones can heal with time, but a broken heart and crushed spirit caused by harsh statements aren’t easily mended. Some wounds can even prove to be fatal.
Solomon was intentionally graphic in describing the hurt and harm we inflict on others when words are misused. “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow” (Proverbs 25:18). Elsewhere, he warned, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV). Note the similar letters in words and swords. Swords maim and kill. So can words.
But words, like swords, are also “doubled-edged.” The tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). It holds great potential for good! In fact, “lovely” words are “like golden apples in a silver basket” (Proverbs 25:11). And, paradoxically, when carefully used, “Soft speech can break bones” (Proverbs 25:15). With truthful, thoughtful, and tactful communication, we can heal relationships and break the “bone of contention”—the barriers that divide us. It’s true, “A gentle answer deflects anger . . . . It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:1,23).
Our words are powerful. They can hurt and harm or help and heal. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24 ESV). Proverbs 12:18 sums it up well: “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
May we speak words of life as God prompts and helps us today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 12:1-11
More:
What do Prov. 15:1-4,7,23,26,28 and Ephesians 4:29 say about the use of right and wrong words?
Next:
Is your tongue quick to criticize but slow to apologize? How can you use words that will better honor God and bless others?
Gary Shultz on August 28, 2016 at 6:13 am
You are exactly right KT. We as a people are quick to criticize, and a slow with apology. However, this like many other things we have been given is a powerful gift, as you explain. We have great opportunity to encourage, and as you say speak softly, kindly. Kind encouraging speech, coupled with a life that rings true to what is spoken, has impact. If we are speaking the words of life, if we are encouraging, if we speak words God has given us; we get the amazing tie in with God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit is then able to do much more with our words and allow them to settle on the soul. Once again God allows us to be useful to His work. Thanks KT
johnswanson on August 28, 2016 at 11:50 am
A word fitly spoken…
minkjh on August 28, 2016 at 1:30 pm
What an appropriate post, K. T., as we in the USA enter the homestretch toward the November election of our next President. To add to your words of wisdom, both Paul and James caution us on this as well. The Colossian believers were urged to have speech that was always gracious, seasoned with salt, and James warns us of the dangers of an unbridled tongue. But it’s Jesus who gets to the ‘heart’ of the speech problem when he tells us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If we guard our hearts the result will be godly speech. If not, we defile ourselves before God and man.
hsnpoor on August 29, 2016 at 11:13 am
Amen!