"Sticks and Stones . . . "

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.“ Most of us are familiar with this idiom we heard as a child. And we all know that words can indeed harm you. In past years I found this version: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will squeeze the very heartbeat from my heart, the breadth from my soul, the lift from my walk, the twinkle from my eyes, and the hope from my days. Please throw sticks and stones.” Unknown

You know how words can hurt you. You’ve been the receiving end of some devastating words and probably have thrown a few yourself. Yes, words can break your heart and take your very breath away.

As a writer of words, how much more generous it is to hand out words of encouragement. The above “other” version helps me to remember to watch what I say.

Enjoy the following quotes on words . . .

“The tongue is not steel, yet it cuts.” George Herbert 1593-1633

“When you speak, remember God is one of your listeners.” Unknown

“Your chances of blowing it are directly proportioned to the amount of time you spend with your mouth open. Try closing it for a while.” Charles Swindoll

“Words are loaded pistols.” Jean Paul Sartre 1905-1980

“The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in one language is priceless.” Proverb

“The greatest word is God. The deepest word is soul. The longest word is eternity. The swiftest word is time. The nearest word is now. The darkest word is hypocrisy. The broadest word is truth. The strongest word is right. The tenderest word is love. The sweetest word is home.” James L. Gordon

And from scripture . . .

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint . . . “ Proverbs 17:27

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26

“For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” 1 Peter 3:10

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:3

The next time you’re ready to throw out damaging words, remember that words can squeeze the very heartbeat from someone’s heart. Instead, thank God for His Amazing Grace!

I thought the gosling above was precious all curled up!The fawn below is one of my favorite snaps. Fawn watch is only 2 or 3 weeks away!