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The Power of Words: Ten Truths about Them

 



'Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!' While serving as a primary teacher for many years, I often heard this chant coming from the mouths of disgruntled children when unkind words had become a problem either for them or to them.  I've thought about this sing-song phrase and the lack of times it actually stopped a playground or standing in line squabble which was virtually never. It's not the sticks and stones we need to fear but the power of our words. Suppose we can remember to pause, reflect, and choose our words carefully. In that case, we can extinguish the damage careless words cause and use our words for good. 

Admittedly, I've not only been on the receiving end of hurtful words, but I've also been the one to wield them. In moments of stress, these words slip out, leaving me with a deep sense of regret. I yearn for the discipline to consistently recognize the power of my words and to choose them more mindfully.

The scriptures offer profound insights into the transformative potential of our words, both kind and unkind. They affirm the power of our words to shape others' lives, for better or worse, instilling a sense of hope and responsibility. 

10 Truths about Words

  • Words have the power to extinguish anger or ignite it. 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger. 

-Proverbs 15:1

  • Words recklessly spoken can break someone's heart and spirit.

The words of the reckless pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

-Proverbs 12:18

  • Words paint a lasting impression, whether it is good or bad, in the eyes of another.

The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the innermost parts.

-Proverbs 26:22

  • Words can annoy and exhaust the listener.

A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. 

-Proverbs 27:15

  • Words unveil what is in the heart of a person.

Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad, and its fruit will be wrong, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the moth speaks what the heart is whole of.

-Matthew 12:33-34

  • Words can cause worry for someone or bring them cheer.

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

-Proverbs 12:2

  • The right word at the right time is custom-made by God for you.

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

-Proverbs 25:11

  • Words can provide eternal choices. 

From this time, many of Jesus' disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. "You do not want to leave, too, do you?" Jesus asked the twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

-John 6:66-69

  • Words of the wise are grounded in Biblical truth.

The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails - given by one Shepherd. 

-Ecclesiastes 12:11 

 Use care with words. Sometimes that means to share and sometimes it means to refrain so as not to dishonor others especially the Word of Life that resides within the hearts of believers. 


Bell, Stacia. “Chapter 28.” When the Menu Is Manna Encounters with God in Everyday Living, 1st ed., Create Space, pp. 72–75. (Edited)

photo credit: clipground.com

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