Sticks and Stones

Proverbs 11:9 “Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.”

I think it’s safe to say the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” has proven to be untrue. Sure, a mean word may not break your bone, but it can certainly crush your spirit. The Bible talks in depth about the power of our words, speaking life or death. The Bible also tells us that we will be accountable for every careless word spoken. Don’t you know if God cares about every single word we say, and keeps a record, there must be a lot of value in our words?

While we may put no thought into a deserved insult hurled, or a sarcastic remark, the Word of God brings us to a place of truth. It commands us to guard our mouths and be mindful what we say because those words have an effect on others. A profound thing we see throughout Scripture is the result of Jesus’ words. Jesus spoke and the waves calmed, food multiplied, dead came back to life, demons fled, sick were restored and the gospel brought light to the darkness.

The result of the words of Jesus were hope, restoration and salvation. That is a pretty powerful example set before us. So, before we throw a stone, ask yourself…what’s attached to that stone? Life or death, hope or despair?

Proverbs 11:17 “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.”

Pastor Natalie Snider