Sticks and Stones and Words

Whoever said that “stick and stones could break their bones but words could never hurt them” has obviously never felt the sting of a malicious tongue. Our words can either be one of the greatest helps or the greatest hurts we can bestow upon others. Words can either help or hinder someone in their life. A man once said that “the only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way we use them.” Our words will have a lasting effect on whoever we speak to – the question is, will that effect be a positive one or a negative one? If we’re not careful they can do more hurt than good, and may even come back to bite us.

The Bible says in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer.” What’s in our heart will be spoken from our lips. If you’re thinking cruel thoughts about someone, then eventually you will give those thoughts a voice. Someone once told me something and it stuck with me. She said, “Whenever I think something mean about someone, I give them a compliment.” Another person told me, “When you feel hateful towards someone, pray for them. It’s hard to hate someone you’re praying for.”


Our words take many forms: compliments, idle chatter, lectures from parents, words of encouragement, gossip, lies or truth, grand speeches, or even silence – for we are speaking even when we are silent.

Words formed the heavens, declared wars, raised the dead to life, proclaimed victories, caused blind men to see, inspired others, tore down walls, built grand monuments, offered peace, wought kingdoms, and so much more.

Words have been used to shape each individual in some way or fashion. What people say to us will help us, hinder us, make us grow stronger, or cause us to crumble in pain and defeat.

Keep your words sweet – you may have to eat them!