Have you ever heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt me?” This cliche statement isn’t true. Sticks and stones bring temporary pain, but words can hurt for a lifetime.
The number of words people use daily can vary widely based on individual circumstances, such as personality, occupation, and social interactions. However, research suggests that people speak around 16,000 words per day on average. This number can be higher or lower depending on the individual.
Studies have found that the ratio of positive to negative words can also vary when it comes to the nature of these words. One study by researchers at the University of California found that about 50-60% of the words people use in daily conversations are positive, while 10-20% are negative. The remaining words tend to be neutral.
This breakdown implies that, on average, a person might use approximately 8,000 to 9,600 positive words daily and approximately 1,600 to 3,200 negative words daily. Neutral words: The remaining portion of their daily word count. These numbers are general estimates and can fluctuate based on context and individual differences.
Here’s the truth about Words. Words can hurt us. Words can haunt us. Words can replay repeatedly in our heads. Words can lead us to dark places. Words can change the direction of our lives.
Sticks and stones can break bones, but words can break hearts.
YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER.
“Our words are a powerful force for good or evil. They can lift someone up or tear them down, bring healing, or cause hurt. As Christians, we must use our words to reflect God's love and grace, always speaking in ways that encourage and edify others." – Charles Stanley
Let’s explore how the book of Proverbs addresses the power of our words.
PROVERBS 12:18 NIV The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Like we have discovered over the past few weeks about the book of Proverbs. The Book of Proverbs compiles good advice and wise sayings to help people live better lives. In this passage in Proverbs 12:18, the comparison is “hurting” versus “healing.”
Solomon uses the picture of your tongue being like a sword - your words can stab, cut, and wound. The book of Proverbs is designed to give you a practical filter - for your words and actions.
Wise people take their speech seriously because words can be a weapon or medicine, causing harm or healing.
EVERYTHING YOU SAY, OR POST HAS TREMENDOUS POWER.
Everything you say or post has tremendous power. This is not a typo and needs to be read or told in our daily lives. We must recognize the biblical principle behind the power of our words. We might not say it out loud, but we need to be mindful that even if we don't say it out loud but write it through a text or post it on social media, it can cause the same feelings as if it was spoken to us.
Words carry a lot of weight and have long-term effects on our lives. I know for me. I always remember the negative things that are said to me more than the positive ones. I wish it were different.
Have you ever noticed that a single negative comment can linger in your mind far longer than a dozen positive ones? This is not just by chance; it is a well-documented psychological phenomenon known as the "negativity bias." Understanding why our minds are wired this way can help us navigate our emotional responses more effectively.
Professional counselors spend countless hours recounting the hurtful words that changed someone’s life. Unfortunately, many people have heard words that wounded like weapons.
Statements like - “I hate you.” “You are a disappointment.” “You ruin everything.” “I don’t love you anymore.”
The truth is weaponized words can do severe damage to someone. This trauma can cultivate long-lasting heartbreak that makes kind words difficult to accept. Wounded people often struggle to believe what they hear when someone says, “I am happy you’re here,” “You are special,” or even “I love you.”
HOW DO WE PROTECT PEOPLE FROM THIS KIND OF HURT?
We must actively apply a filter to our words. Like a water filter purifies our drinking water, we must filter the phrases we share. Before you say something, ask, “DOES THIS HURT OR HEAL?” One healing phrase can change someone’s entire day.
Statements like - “I am happy that you’re my friend.” “Your input is so good.” “You’re beautiful.” “I appreciate you.”
THROW AROUND KIND WORDS LIKE CONFETTI.
Throwing around kind words like confetti is about making a conscious effort to spread positivity wherever you go. By being intentional with your compliments, expressing gratitude, offering encouragement, and creating a positive environment, you can significantly impact the lives of those around you. Remember, kindness is contagious - when you make the effort to uplift others, you inspire them to do the same.
The world is full of negativity, and it is time to spread positivity like confetti.
EPHESIANS 4:29 NIV Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Your words can make a difference. They can make someone sink or soar. Choose words that make people soar. Always strive to share words that heal. Your kind words can comfort the crushed, heal the hurting, and give worth to those who feel worthless.
Mother Teressa famously said, “Kind words can be short, but their echoes are endless.”
YOUR WORDS CAN EITHER HURT OR HEAL. ENSURE YOUR WORDS HEAL.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or someone to talk to. 901-515-6450. God never called us to walk through life alone. The best is yet to come in your life.
