The Best: Part 2Muestra

Prayer: Lord God, help me to use my words well. I desire to cause healing, not harm. Help me to think before I speak. Help me not to be reckless with my words, but to be wise. Please show me where I can improve.

Sticks, Stones, and Swords

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” You may have heard this saying as a child, when a parent or teacher was trying to calm you down after someone said something that hurt your feelings. Proverbs 12:18, however, disagrees with this old rhyme—it says, “Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword.”

Words can cut. And the sting can last far longer than it would take for a bruise from a rock to fade. If you were to look back on your life at the times when another person hurt you the most, chances are that it was because of something that was said. Words hold the power to destroy relationships. This proverb, however, ends with hope: “but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Just as you can look back on your life and see the destruction of words, it is also likely that the times you have felt the most encouraged were because someone told you specific things they appreciate about you. Repaired relationships likely became healed only after someone admitted fault and asked for forgiveness. Words can cause so much pain, but they also have the power to turn anxiety to joy, cause anger to dim, or heal relationships that have been fractured. Will you use your words like the thrusts of a sword, or wisely to bring healing?

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Am I reckless with my words? Do I think before I speak, or do I simply say what is on my mind?
2. Who in my life do I need to ask for forgiveness because of things that I have said?
3. Who could I encourage today?

What’s Next? 

1. Take a moment to pray and ask the Lord to help you be wise and discerning with your words. Additionally, ask God to bring to mind the names of anyone you may need to ask for forgiveness, as well as anyone you need to forgive for harsh words they have spoken.
2. If there is someone who you need to ask for forgiveness, make a plan to do so.
3. Look for opportunities to offer encouragement to each person you talk to today.