This Proverb says, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” You may recall the following poem that children recited. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This rhyme might have been a cute response to name-calling. However, it was not truthful. Words can hurt. In fact words can be devastating.
The words we speak to others can have a lifelong effect on them. Words can help others. They can also destroy others. Since the advent of social media, there have been accounts of young people actually committing suicide because of the demeaning statements from other young people.
Therefore, we must be careful about the words we choose to say to other people. In short, we should think before we speak and strive to choose words that edify or encourage.
God’s Commandments for mankind can be summarized by the following two: First, we are to love God. Secondly we are to love others. The words we say to others provide evidence of our obedience to the second commandment. If we say hurtful words to others, God will hold us accountable.
The Bible says that at the final judgment, God will remind us of our deeds and the words we have spoken to others. Our hurtful words to others could ultimately prevent us from being allowed into Heaven. That Truth should provide ample motivation to think before we speak and not be hasty or hurtful with our words.
