Sticks and stones...

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"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." This is a children's rhyme that was used to encourage victims of name-calling to ignore the teasing, refrain from retaliation and remain calm, dating from the 1800's. The main idea of this advice: have a thick skin when it comes to verbal abuse. (see 1 Peter 3:15-17)

And yet there is a significant amount of power that our words hold. The Bible says a lot about the power of the tongue. Proverbs 15:4, 21:23, 26:20, Matthew 15:11, Colossians 4:6, and 1 Peter 3:10 are but a few examples of Biblical instruction about the power of one's words. There are many more verses that teach on this subject. The main idea of this teaching: our words can either harm or heal; break people down or build them up, so use them wisely or not at all.

Proverbs 18:20-21 (NIVUK) goes even further:

"From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

The tongue has the power of life and death. That is incredible power for such a little part of our anatomy. The scary thing is that everyone has this remarkable power. And yet it seems that we're oblivious to the fact. We can be rather indifferent to the words we use. Jesus warns his followers about this in Matthew 12:35-37.

What if the words we use have a far greater effect than we think they have? What if, because of what we've said, someone dies? What if, because of something we said, someone finds life? All of us have this power. How we use it is what really matters.

Here's how Paul encourages the Ephesian church to use this remarkable power:

"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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIVUK)

So, may you have a thick skin when others speak ill of or towards you. And when you speak, may others not need one.

Selah.

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