Words are Powerful

There is that saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me".  I don't agree I think words are powerful they can leave wounds that go very deep.  They may not be visible but they are still there.  Words are also very positive and can really lift your spirits.  

The reason I decided to write about this is that I was feeling a bit low this morning.  It's the school holidays but my kids have not been very well.  Had planned a nice day out yesterday but the kids were not up for it and then I had my in laws visit so things were not going as I had hoped.  Then after a bad nights sleep I had work today. 

On the way I had to go to the opticians to get my glasses fixed.  The lady in the shop said that she really liked how I had my hair, I am growing it at the moment.  That simple compliment really lifted my spirits.  We also had a bit of a joke about me having more then one screw loose this morning and by the time I got to work I was in a really good mood.  All tiredness was forgotten and we had a fantastic day with lots of laughs along the way.  

Such a simple thing as a compliment or a critical word really does affect our whole day.  It's really amazing.  It is also a great responsibility as we often don't realise the affect our words have on other people.  It makes me think of that saying "if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all".  I think the world would be a better place if we were able to stick to that rule.  

So I thought I would have a look tonight about what the bible has to say on the subject, after all it is the Word of God.  

I am sure there is more but here are a couple of verses that I found.  
In Ephesians 2:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Also in Proverbs 16:23-24  "The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

However how do we react when people do say horrible things.  Yes they do hurt and sometimes hurt deeply but we all have to guard against this.  No one is perfect.  I know several times when I have opened my mouth before I have engaged my brain and said something I have regretted.   So in conclusion I share with you from Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 

"Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others."