As a writer, words are powerful. They create a world that didn’t exists before I put it on paper. Words have the power to give life to  towns, cities and people  that seem so real you want to sit at the coffee shop and have a chat. Yes, words can build worlds.

 We have all heard the rhythm: Sticks and Stones will break your bones, but words can never hurt you. Ha! I think we can all agree that is a lie.

I bet if I asked you to tel me a time that someone  tossed a negative word your way. It has created a scar on your heart. Maybe it’s scabbed over now, but I think everyone has those words that hang around, words that hurt.

I believe the spoken word has power. It can build someone up or tear them down. A carelessly spoken word can worm it’s way into the recipient’s brain and make a home there for years.

Being the voice that  justifies fears and doubts. Silencing that voice can be difficult.

In education, research has taught us that for every one negative comment the human brain hears it takes three (some reports say four) positive remarks to balance the bad one.

Not overpower or wash away…just balance it.

As teachers we were challenged to make a paper bracelet  and mark every negative comment that came out of our mouth. WOW! Even the most positive of teachers where shocked to find out  much they focused on the bad.

Our words have power!

Do you use your power for good or bad? Do you use your power without thought?

I like doing word searches in the Bible – So I looked up Venomous Words.  More verses than I bothered to count came up. Yes, the Bible has a lot to say about words we use. Here are my top 8 verses (I have one in twice- different versions):

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Matthew 12:36 ESV (Ouch – this one is scary)

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Matthew 15:18 ESV

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Colossians 3:8 ESV

We like to focus on the obscene and find fault with it easily enough. But what about the other, anger…slander I think are more socially acceptable. We have to watch all of our words.

Do you have a favorite saying or verse about the importance of words?