Have you ever heard this little saying? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”

I’ve been able to trace it back to the mid-1800’s. And surprisingly, it is not part of some long, epic poem on verbal use or abuse. Just that single, compound sentence!

But Psalm 64 makes me think otherwise. About our words, that is.

REALLY THE BIBLE QUITE OFTEN HAS THE OPPOSITE OPINION TO UNSAVED HUMANITY! THE BIBLE IS TRUTH. PEOPLE ARE OFTEN GUIDED BY LIES!

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

“Let God be true, but every man a liar.” Romans 3:4

The Psalmist David, in praying for safety from his (many) enemies … characterized the wicked this way:

“Who whet their tongue like a SWORD, and bend their bows to shoot their ARROWS, even bitter words.”

Tongues like SWORDS!

Words like shot ARROWS!

Weapons indeed!

No wonder Solomon write: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21

Wow!

So much for that little Sticks and Stones “ditty!” (From the Latin word for “dictate.”)

We as Christians must be “extra careful” with our words!

Not to be hurtful.

To this extent, in fact … “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Quoting the unique Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29

Lord, “tame our tongues” please!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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