By: Arnold Martin Remember the saying we learned when we were little: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” In reality, words are amazingly powerful—they can either build up and encourage, or tear down and cause deep hurts. Whether the words spoken against someone are true or false, they are able to deeply injure. Proverbs 26:20 tell us, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” There is much strife and heartache that could have been prevented if someone had stopped spreading gossip or rumors. Some will say, “Yes, I told this, but it was the truth.” Even if something is true, that does not mean it needs to be spread if it will harm someone. While we should always tell the truth, sometimes telling the truth becomes an excuse for repeating stories that do not need to be told. There are stories that are completely true that benefit no one by being repeated. Character assassination in the name of truth is not godly speech. Instead we should guard our tongues and not delight in knowing the latest gossip to share. We do not need a garbage can tongue nor do we need to have garbage can ears. Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Speaking in love prevents us from carelessly wounding others and falling under the judgment of God. May we all make a dedicated effort to avoid wounding others with our words. If our words do not help, protect, build up, and encourage others, they are best left unsaid! A good question to answer before we speak is, “Would I want someone else to say about me what I’m getting ready to say about them?”
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 23:08:23 +0000
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