Words are powerful
A thoughtless word can devastate one’s life. Just recently, as reported in the newspaper, a young girl took her life because her other siblings called her “dumb”. The impact of the words must have truly penetrated the innermost core of her being, hurting her deeply. The saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” isn’t true after all.
I once witnessed a relative of my late husband who attempted to take her own life by stuffing her mouth with curtains when another relative of hers uttered unkind words to her. When we realized that she was nowhere to be found during lunch time, we knocked on her room and found her almost unconscious. Our timely arrival saved her life.
Writer Carole C. Goodman of Positive Good Production Website commented: “Words are charged with penetrating and everlasting power. One of the most deadly instruments of destruction is the human tongue. Be aware of your words as you say them. Words are powerful, and we never know what state of mind someone is on at any time. You must choose your words because you would not know the impact they will have on people. Words have a way of penetrating the very depths of our being. Words are compelling. They have great impact for good or evil.”
Some people may have given little thoughts to things they say, hence, to avoid crushing the feelings of others, here’s some reminders from Goodman:
Before we speak we should ask ourselves the following questions: How will my words (including my tone) affect the person being spoken to? Will my words build up or tear down? How would I feel if I were being spoken to in the same manner?
Words invoke and engage emotion. The words we speak can lift us up or send us into a downward spiral.
Pain from words left its scar on mind and heart that’s tender; cuts and bruises may have healed, but it’s the word that one remembers. Unkind words may leave lifelong scar.
We must be mindful of what we say, how we say it, and when we say it. Our words are a reflection of what we are, and they tell others of what we are.
Poorly time and poorly chosen, words can kill enthusiasm,cause deep emotional wounds, lower expectations, break one’s spirit, shatter self-esteem, destroy relationships and hold people back.
We need to weigh the impact of our words before we speak. As Proverbs 12: 18 says, “Thoughtless words cut like a sword.”
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