Words that Harm or Heal
Words are very powerful. Some people want to minimize the effects that words have on other people. We have all heard the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Nothing could be farther from the truth. Words are definitely able to harm us deeply and with lasting consequences. At the same time, words are able to bring healing to others who are broken and suffering. Solomon knew this, and he wrote about it for us. (Proverbs 12:18) We all need to hear what the Lord had shown Him to tell us, so we can do the right thing with our words.
When people use rash words, they speak before they think. They blurt out the first thing that comes to their minds, and often, it is only the fleshly reaction to something or someone. Those rash words are like "sword thrusts." Isn't that an amazing word picture? What could hurt worse that being struck by a sharp sword thrust at our body to inflict pain? I do not know how very many things could bring more immediate pain and lasting consequences. However, it is so true. Words can slice open our skin and pierce to our heart and soul. Therefore, we must ask God to give us the power to hold our tongue, so that we don;t speak until we have considered our motives and the words we are about to say. Then, we can be wise, so that we speak words of healing, not harm. It is never right to harm with our words. We can say even the most difficult things in a way that brings healing to the person and situation. God can and will show us how to do this, if we ask for His wisdom, and then, we act on it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 13-15.
When people use rash words, they speak before they think. They blurt out the first thing that comes to their minds, and often, it is only the fleshly reaction to something or someone. Those rash words are like "sword thrusts." Isn't that an amazing word picture? What could hurt worse that being struck by a sharp sword thrust at our body to inflict pain? I do not know how very many things could bring more immediate pain and lasting consequences. However, it is so true. Words can slice open our skin and pierce to our heart and soul. Therefore, we must ask God to give us the power to hold our tongue, so that we don;t speak until we have considered our motives and the words we are about to say. Then, we can be wise, so that we speak words of healing, not harm. It is never right to harm with our words. We can say even the most difficult things in a way that brings healing to the person and situation. God can and will show us how to do this, if we ask for His wisdom, and then, we act on it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 13-15.