When Words Hurt

Words are powerful tools that can build up or tear down, and they frequently leave a lasting emotional impact. They can deeply influence someone’s confidence, sense of belonging, and mental well being.

There is an old children’s English rhyme that goes “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” This childhood phrase is far from the truth.

When someone uses harsh, belittling, or exclusionary language, it can cause genuine emotional distress. The fact is few things have the power to ruin a relationship like critical, assuming, defamatory, hostile and inaccurate, or even slanderous words. The reason people do this is because of insecurities, jealousy, or that it makes them feel powerful.

Using our mouths as a fountain of life requires deliberate thought and mindfulness. Ephesians 4:29 is a Biblical encouragement where we are challenged to avoid unwholesome talk and instead use only words that are helpful to those who listen.

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”