Sticks and Stones

Have you ever heard, "Sticks and Stones will break your bones but names will never hurt me." Before you answer let's see if you have ever heard this one. "You catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar." I am not sure who it is trying to catch the flies but if you were trying I think honey would be better bait than vinegar. The point is this we can believe all we want that words will never hurt us but the truth is they can do more damage than sticks or stones. Notice I said MORE damage; sticks and stones can be very unpleasant but so can words. Words, both positive ones and negative ones, are never forgotten.

Words can be used to tear you down or build you up. Many of us thrive from a compliment or acknowledgement that our work was done well. The Bible makes it clear that a very small instrument can chart the course or direction for a much larger vessel. bit in a horses mouth directs the entire animal and a rudder on a ship steers the entire vessel. A very small instrument that has a very profound influence on the course taken. The tongue has a similar effect in that it guides and steers the lives of others.


James 3:3–5 (NASB95)

3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.

5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!  

The words that come from our mouth can be a blessing or a curse. We have to realize our words can encourage, uplift, motivate or inspire but at the same time we can discourage, demoralize, cripple or deflate. Are you someone that put thought into your words? If not you should and you should use them for the good of your family, friends and coworkers. Why wouldn't you?