Words Have Consequences

“Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Pro 16:24)

Just the other day, my mother and I had a conversation about negative words; negative words not only affect the person that they are being used towards, but even more they affect person using them.

Our parents have always told us, “sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us.” However, I have decided to raise my children to understand that when you choose to use words to hurt others, you are making the choice to condemn yourself. I know it may sound a little overboard. But how many people in your life have said horrible things about you, and those same people (even if its years later) requested your help? Or how many people have you said nasty things to in the heat of an argument, but had to apologize to take back your words?

In the past, I’ve been both the victim and abuser of words. And a lot of times, the “verbal abuser” appears to be the stronger individual. However, I have learned that this person is usually the weakest one and is suffering the most; resulting in a severe tongue lashing to someone you love. A “verbal abuser’s” goal is to hurt others, sometimes even loved ones. But I don’t think that “verbal abusers” realize that in the end the pain almost always returns. God takes a true offence to hurtful words, “And the tongue is a fire; a word of iniquity“(Jas 3:8). Not only are we going against God’s word, and hurting those we love, but we are preparing ourselves for the possibility of being alienated in the future. At some point, those we victimize will become tired of our harsh words and will no longer choose to participate in our lives. They will recognize that the negative words we speak about them are words from our heart. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Pro 15:1).

I decided a long time ago, that the next time that I feel like going on a tongue lashing rampage, I am going to think about the person that I am preparing to victimize and how my few words can determine the future of a relationship that I hold so dear. More significantly, I am learning that our tongues are precious gifts from God. The world says to “use your tongue wisely.” But God’s word says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Pro 18:21).

Meditating before I speak,

KPA

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a strong Virtuous, Fashionista, that understands the power of my words, that is aware of GOD’s presence, is allowing my light to shine, whose growing to be more passionate about serving the Lord, who can listen without pride to constructive criticism, whose fear does not hold me back, who runs to the Lord first about everything, who strives to stay on GOD’s course, who is saved by the grace of GOD, who admits to being envious of others at times, who knows my worth, has a calming peace, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a GODLY example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in GOD’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands GOD's love, has an intimate relationship with GOD, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit