Of Sticks, Stones and Words.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." 

We have all heard this saying before right? Whenever someone is being made fun of by peers, or unkind things are said in anger, people always quote that phrase. But I think you will find the Bible has quite a different view on the matter. So let's look at it.

It's true that when people say rude things about us or to us, we can let it roll off our backs. We certainly shouldn't take offense to every little thing that is said. But we shouldn't forget that words hurt much more than we think they do. Those little jabs we make at people, the mean things we say behind their backs, the smart comments we make to their faces, the times we laugh when they make stupid mistakes, or when they do something embarrassing, all pile up, and eventually, if we are not careful, will blow up in our faces. I'm not saying we can't laugh at/with people sometimes when they do things, but I am saying we need to be very cautious when we do it.

Proverbs 18:21~Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Psalms 34:13~Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Ephesians 4: 29~Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Jesus tells us that our words have the power to kill. He also tells us we should not kill with the sixth commandment. It seems that the sticks and stones saying, is not a very true one.

Words hurt more than sticks and stones do, because they make wounds that are far more difficult-sometimes nearly impossible-to heal. Hurt will stay with someone for a long time, and can manifest into something that you may not be able to control. Sometimes, its too late to take something back once its been said.

The Bible says the tongue is one of the most evil things, and very hard to control. But as Christians, it's our job to do that. This verse is pretty simple.

Matthew 7:12~"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

If you don't want someone to hurt your feelings, then make sure you don't do it to someone else.

Before we open our mouth to laugh at the way someone is dressed, yell/scold someone, or call someone a name, we need to ask ourselves if what we are about to say is pleasing to God. Would we say it if Jesus was standing in our living room? Because technically, he is ALWAYS in our living room.

Galatians 5:14~"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."