Unkind Words

James 3:9-10 (NLT)

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

The apostle points out that many can praise God with their voices and their words and then use the same mouth to curse others.  In our reverence and praise for God we should learn how to treat others. When we speak to them we should do so with reverence and kindness. Instead many utter curses against their brothers and sisters in faith and forget they are creations of God, His children who he cares for himself and finds precious in His sight.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, has lectured throughout this country on the powerful, and often negative, impact of words. He often asks audiences if they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about, or to, another person. Invariably, a small number of listeners raise their hands, signifying "yes." Others laugh, and quite a large number call out, "no!"

Telushkin responds: "Those who can't answer 'yes' must recognize that you have a serious problem. If you cannot go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you are addicted to alcohol. If you cannot go 24 hours without smoking, you are addicted to nicotine. Similarly, if you cannot go 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, then you have lost control over your tongue." [Rick Ezell, One Minute Uplift (7-21-06)]

There is an old saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” We forget the saying is usually said by someone strong enough to stand up to the taunts of the hurtful words. They have empowered themselves to resist what was meant to strike deep into their hearts and they stand firm against what is being said.

However there are some who are not prepared. They are weaker people who do not know how to handle insults and vicious words. It is these people who feel like they are being struck with sticks and stoned with insulting words hurled at them. In just moments a few words can tear down the very spirit of a person and send them into despair.

Let us all realize if we can praise God, sing glory to his name then we are also capable of doing the same for our fellow man. Take a stand and challenge yourself to refrain from negative and hurtful comments. Instead let your words lift people up, make them smile, and give them hope. If you are unable to do this even for a short period of time then maybe you are addicted to unkind and hurtful words. Next time stop and think about how you can lift someone up and nurture them instead of tearing them down with unkind words.