Someone Else’s Words
We’ve all heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We’re probably all well aware that this is a false statement. We’ve been hurt by the power of someone else’s words, carelessly spewed from unkind lips. A more complete and accurate statement about the power of words comes from Charles F. Glassman: “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you . . . unless you believe them. Then, they can destroy you.” We know that broken bones can heal over time, but heart wounds can last forever.
Hurting Words
We can be insulted and yet not feel scathed by someone else’s words if we don’t believe what was said to or about us. If we’re secure in who we are and know that what others are saying is not true, then it doesn’t have to affect how we see or feel about ourselves. It’s when what has been said is something we’ve considered about ourselves or seems to have a speck of truth in it that it can cause great damage.
When I was in middle school, my family moved to a new state for my father’s job. I was trying to find a place to fit in among all of the students at my new school, most of whom had known each other since kindergarten. I was a late bloomer and a tomboy, so I wasn’t really interested in hair or makeup like many of the other girls. One girl in my grade noticed that I didn’t shave my legs and started calling me “Beast.” I was humiliated. I went home that day and asked my mom to teach me how to shave my legs. I doubt the girl who hurled the hurtful name at me even remembers that incident today. I, however, have never forgotten her or how she made me feel with one pointedly cruel word.
Healing Words
Words can also bring about great healing. We’ve all probably been on the receiving end of positive, encouraging, and healing words at some point in our lives. I’m often greatly encouraged by someone else’s words.
My love language is words of affirmation, so I’m very sensitive to the things said to and about me. I feel most loved when someone speaks words of life and encouragement over me. I feel affirmed and seen when my husband tells me that I’m a wonderful mother and wife. Specific compliments help me believe that what he’s saying is what he truly believes.
An acquaintance recently told me that, while I don’t speak often in group settings, when I do speak, she knows it’s going to be something worth listening to because my words are well-thought-out and contain wisdom. Her compliment was was uplifting and also a good reminder to me to consider my words because of the power they contain.
The Power of Life and Death
We know that the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). James wrote that it is full of poison that kills (James 3:8). The Bible tells us multiple times to speak that which is beneficial to others and to remove unwholesome talk from our mouths (Ephesians 4:29) .
We know the power of words because they brought creation into being. God commanded the earth to be made, and it was. He declared all of his creation to be good, and it is.
Jesus showed us that words have the power to vanquish our enemy the devil. He spoke truth to Satan to combat the lies and distortion of Scripture he tried to use to entice Jesus to stray from his God-given purpose. But Jesus was so familiar with God’s Word that he successfully remained on mission.
Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the armor of God in order to successfully fight the war against our enemy, the father of lies. Most of the armor is defensive protection–helmet, breastplate, shield, boots, and belt. Our offense weapon is likened to a sword: the Word of God. This illustration is a strong reminder of the power of words. If they can defeat our enemy, they can certainly destroy mortals. We must wield our weapon wisely.
The Truth of God’s Word
If we want to accomplish our own God-given purposes, we’re to stay fully immersed in the truth of God’s Word. To keep the false accusations or unkind words of others from penetrating our hearts, we have to know and believe the truth of who we are in Christ.
It’s important to remember that we are dearly loved (Ephesians 5:1), purposefully created (Psalm 139:13), uniquely purposed (Ephesians 2:10), approved by God (1 Thessalonians 2:4), never condemned (Romans 8:1), and his beloved child (1 John 3:1). We need these truths embedded in our hearts as protection against the lies the enemy will try to hurl at us from many directions. If we aren’t prepared, we may believe an untruth which will cause unnecessary damage. We aren’t the sum of our past mistakes. We’re a new creation in Jesus.
Knowing who we are as beloved children of God, we should be diligent of reminding others so that they may be protected against the fiery arrows of the evil one. How can we do this? By speaking what is true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy so that our words will benefit those who hear them.
We all have stories, both good and bad, of how someone else’s words have impacted us. May we think soberly about the power of words and commit to wielding them appropriately.
is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Bewakoof, used with permission
