When I was growing up every child was taught the ditty, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The intent seems sound; don’t let someone’s opinion of you derail your life.

Yet the reality of our experience also includes shocking pain from brutal speech.

All this came to mind when just a moment ago I read the following on a blog I appreciate (http://jsparkblog.com/2013/04/26/if-words-were-wounds/):

pleasant-wordsIf words were wounds
and you could see flesh tearing —
would we still speak the same way
or find new ways to destroy ..?

If words were healing
and you could see wounds sealing —
would we still speak the same way
or withhold words to destroy ..?

But this is what it is, every day.

Words rip, words mend —
deeper than flesh, more than metal.
Flesh is fragile,
but a soul, eternal.

Will we still speak the same way?

– J.S.

“{Like} golden apples in silver settings,
{so} is a word spoken at the right time” (Proverbs 25:11 God’s Word)

Related Post: Unspoken Prayers