“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29

Sticks and Stones

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is simply not true. If I were to speak with any of you readers, I am certain that your memory holds something unkind that was spoken to you or about you that hurt you badly.

When I worked in a large Christian Bookstore in Southern California, I tripped in front of the owner of the store. He laughed, and began calling me “Miss Graceful” or “Miss Clumsy.” He was doing it in fun, but his words began to affect my behavior. I became VERY clumsy and was tripping and slipping through my workday. It began taking a toll on me and I had to confront him. I lovingly told him that I knew it was all in fun and he meant me no harm, but that it seemed his words were becoming too true in my life. Could he please stop, and let’s see what happens.

He did, and the clumsiness stopped almost immediately. It drew my attention to scriptures that address the words we speak and what power they contain. What we say may be affecting other people’s lives by our blessings or curses.

“From the same mouth come blessings and cursing. My brothers (and sisters), these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The words we speak can produce life or death, affecting ourselves or others. What are our words producing?

I hear myself speak curses even on myself by saying things like, “I am so stupid!” Or, “I could just die.” I have heard people say things like, “I wish he were dead,” or “He can just go to hell.” Let us listen to our words, sisters. Be aware of each other’s words. I want to be held accountable for speaking well to others and of others. We need to be careful of speaking curses on our children or children’s children by saying, “They are doomed. They will never get their act together.”

“Lord, may You begin with this community of readers to renew our minds to speak what we say we believe. Help our minds to take our thoughts captive so that our mouths will speak blessing on others to build them up in You. As we begin to encourage others, may encouraging, honoring words become their conversation to and about others as well. Thank You, Lord, for Your words of health and healing and blessing.”