I have said on several occasions that the expression, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is a lie straight from the pits of hell. Broken bones will heal, but broken and wounded spirits have a difficult time recovering.

Solomon says in Proverbs 15:4, “A healing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful one crushes the spirit.” Most of us have been hurt by someone’s words. Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Words can pierce like swords, leaving lifelong scars. Words can hurt, but words can also heal.

James 3:10 tells us, “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” In this same chapter, James says it’s easier to control a wild horse or a ship on a raging sea than it is to control the tongue. Have you ever been the victim of a sharp tongue that cut you to the quick? There are times when rebuke and reproof are needed, but they should be given with the intent to help, not harm.

My heart is saddened by some of the things I see on social media. While it’s not possible to know the tone of the words by reading them, the intent is all too clear. Our words matter. Words make a difference. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” I pray that we will all do our best to guard our tongues so they bring healing, not harm; that the end result of our words will produce life, not death.