Forget the sticks & stones, the names hurt!

By Erik Farstad

November 25, 1997

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

Whoever thought up that saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!" Moreover, what planet were they living on? Words are powerful! There is no denying that. The bible says words are like a double-edged sword.

Have you ever said something, then later regretted it? Sure you have, we all have acted too quickly at one time or another. Do you remember the damage it did? Are you still living with the consequences? The real question to ask yourself is why did you act so quickly with that sword-like tongue? One word...POWER!

There is power in the spoken word. If you can out-wit or out-talk someone, you have more power over that person. That person will think twice about confronting you again, right? The first thing that comes to my mind are lawyers. They use words, written words (laws), to overpower their opponent. Unfortunately we use this same power to hurt people. It�s at those times when someone is defenseless, that we may be tempted to push that blade in just a bit farther. Do you do that? Do you go in for that quick, lashing blow to elevate yourself higher than your victim?

Real power is NOT using it! The weak show no mercy, the strong show love and extend a hand. Which do you do?

In James it says that, "..the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts." (James 3:5a) Think about this; if you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body as well. If you desire self-control in your life, start with your tongue. Words can cut and destroy and eventually your other actions follow.

Let this be your prayer today:

Dear Lord, you have shown me by your Holy word what power is. May the only words that cut like a double-edged sword be your words of truth and conviction, not my words of hurt and harm. Grant me with self-control, so I do not ruin the relationships you have given me with powerful words. Let the only words that flow from my mouth be uplifting to others and glorifying to you. It is your words that once set me free, your words that I desire to live by, so do not let my words be the ruin of everything you have done. In Christ�s name, Amen.

How do you control your tongue? Look to your heart. Where your heart leads, the tongue will follow.

In Him, "E"