Remember learning that? How’s it workin’ out for you?  This was the tool I was told to use when people called me names, made fun of me, or insulted me.  It certainly has never worked for me.  It never fixed anything nor did it make me feel any better.  Nothing can hurt us more permanently, cut our hearts in two more quickly or cause us mental anguish, than unkind words.  

 

I believe we all have participated in the “words” game.  I know that I have said things to people, especially to people I love, which have hurt them deeply.  It certainly wasn’t the foremost thought in my mind to hurt them but I would have done less damage if I had punched them in the nose.  On the same note, others who I love have done the same to me - with the same results.  “Sticks and Stones” may break bones (true), “but words can never hurt me” is furthest from the truth.  The truth is, it does hurt!

 

We must constantly and carefully measure our words  - how we talk “to” and “about” others.  (Perhaps that is why we have “eye teeth” …to watch what we say?!)  The Word of God is very specific as to how we are to act with our mouths  Ps 15:2-3… He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;   Ps 34:13… Ps 39:1… James 3: 5-12… 1 Peter 3:10… Gal 5:14-15 - just to name a few more and that’s just a start.

 

As Christians, our job is to imitate Jesus Christ, who spoke of kindness and love.  We will encounter many “sticks” and “stones” traveling through this life. Our consolation comes through biblical solutions (the Word of God) and God will take care of the justice.

 

The most frightening part is, we will be “judged” by words…Our own!  …But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of  Judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  Matt 12:36-37