“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” Proverbs 12:18. 

“Sticks and stones may break my bones; but words will never hurt me…” This old childhood chant was meant to remind us that, even when another child hurled cruel words, physical force may hurt the body, but the “bully” would not be given the power to mentally hurt the one being insulted.

Sadly, many adults choose to play mental games of cruelty as well. Even so, we still have the power to refuse insults and negative inferences that threaten our peace. God’s word is our safe place in all things. That old arch-enemy of our souls is the great deceiver and the father of all lies; he desires to steal our peace and hurt us in any way possible. 

Abusive language has a deep, long-lasting, hurting effect that can pierce like swords. “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” Proverbs 12:18.

The Bible teaches and guides us to communicate in healthy ways, speaking in a manner that is healing and uplifting to others. In truth, our speech actually reveals what is going on way down deep inside of us. Luke 6:45 states, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

God’s desire is that we “encourage one another and build each other up.” In 1Thessalonians 5:11, we are told: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

As God’s beloved children, born of His Spirit, we are to be lights in this dark world, shining so that others may see Christ’s good works in and through us. Let us speak words of healing, peace, love, and kindness to all men, and be examples of Christ. As Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

As the saying goes, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all! Meditating on God’s Word places our focus on His truth, guards our tongue, and ultimately gives us true peace. Ephesians 6:17 states, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

God help us all to think carefully before we speak. Is it kind, necessary, or true? Remember that some things are true but may not be necessary or kind to say at the time; likewise, some things may also be necessary but need to be tempered with His grace.

So, let’s fervently pray that our words heal and not hurt others, following the words found in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

May the Lord’s blessing, peace, and joy be with us always.