I don't know where that came from, but I do know that in grade school I used to say that all the time to the boys that were constantly being mean and saying hurtful things to me. I still hear it all the time, but is it the truth, are we teaching our children that words can't hurt? Is this true? Do words hurt or don't they? I know according to the government and CPS, words can become abusive and cause you to get in a whole heap of trouble. What about according to God, what does God say about words?
A few scriptures that I have found and been mulling over lately:
Psalm 12:3-4 "May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue..."
Proverbs 8:8 "All the words of my mouth are just; none of them are crooked or perverse."
James 3:1-12 "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
2 Samuel 23:2 " “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue."
Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."Basically, what I get from all of these scriptures are that your tongue/speech can be used for good or bad. While as a child I was taught that words can never hurt me, I now know differently. Words can make or break you. You can speak curses over your child with a simple statement such as "You are so stupid." Oh how I hate to hear things like that come out of a parents mouth. I have caught myself saying things like "You are driving me to drink." (Please note that I said it out of frustration and am NOT a drinker {side note: My father is an alcoholic so I have stayed away from alcohol except on occasion as I know it is part genetic.} and did not mean this statement literally.) After I said it and it was in my ears, I CRINGED at the fact that I had just said that to my child simply because he was crying while I was trying to get some errands done.
I couldn't tell you how many times as a child I was told that I wasn't good enough or I wasn't built right or smart enough or creative enough and so I just didn't try. After all no one was expecting any more out of me so why should I? (Not by my parents, however, no they pushed me further then I really could reach at times.)
Words can definitely make or break a person and they cut deeply. Especially if those words come from someone in which you trust your heart with or that is supposed to care for your heart and not break it.
Next time you are upset or angry about something your child/ren is/are doing think about what you are going to say. Would it hurt your feelings if you were in their place? Would it make you feel like less of a person? Would it do any damage? Please remember this every time you speak to your child or your spouse. During the good and the BAD times!!
Please remember, I am educated but do not have a degree in religion, these are my thoughts for myself and others. I am hoping to inspire, help, and make friends with readers I am NOT perfect and am learning along with any readers I may have. Remember that you must read your bible and pray to have a relationship with the Lord, not just read books and posts and devotions. Most of all remember that Jesus loves you, just how you are!
Links:Words are Powerful
Give me a shout out and tell me what you think about this post. Is there anything you would like to add to this?
