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Today's Quote
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Today's Verse
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Daily Wisdom
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Remember the old saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me."? We used this when someone said something negative to us. It sounds reasonable but is of little value when we have been truly hurt by someone's words.
In some ways words seem pretty weak. The spoken word is merely a combination of sounds and the written word a combination of graphic symbols. For example, if I called you a 'babo,' you would probably not think much of it. Unless you speak Korean, 'babo' doesn't means anything. If, however, you understood Korean, you would know that 'babo' means "fool."
We all have relationships with each other. Our relationships may be warm, cool, or neutral. Warm relationships are built on things like respect, beauty, and kindness. Cool relationships are based on fear, dislike, and ugliness. Our words are like seeds that can produce all of these different feelings, good and bad.
While words have no innate meaning, those of us who use them assign meaning to them. Once you know what I mean when I say, "babo," that word has the potential to hurt our relationship. Words we consider positive tend to build relationships while negative words are likely to destroy them.
Sometimes the positive or negative effects of words are difficult to determine. The scolding words of a parent to a child may seem harsh and negative but may be the instrument of caring love. Positive words, spoken sarcastically, may become harmful negative barbs.
Christians must be ever alert to the words they use and the effect those words have on others. Sticks and stones can break bones but words can destroy relationships. Jesus taught that our words are a reflection of our inner being. A loving heart produces positive words that heal. A hateful heart emits ugly words that tear down. James wrote that the undisciplined tongue "is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
