“Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.” Psalm 119:23.

“Sticks and stones my break my bones; but words will never hurt me…” This is the old childhood chant that we would say when some other child was hurling cruel words at us. It was meant to express that even though physical force may hurt the body; the “bully” would not be given the power to hurt the one being insulted.

Adults play mental games of cruelty as well; however, we still have the power to refuse to allow insults and negative inferences to invade our peace. The Word of God is our safe place in all things. The enemy is the great deceiver and the father of all lies; he desires to still our peace and hurt us in any way possible. Abusive language has a deep, long-lasting effect that can “pierce like swords” (Proverbs 12:18).

The bible teaches us about healthy and unhealthy communication; it teaches us to use our speech in a manner that is healing and uplifting to others. Our speech actuality reveals what is going on inside of us at the time; Luke 6:45 says, “Luke 6:45 (KJV) “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

God’s desire is that we “encourage one another and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV) state: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” and that we strive to let our conversations with and about others be as written in : Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

We are the light of the world, and our lights should shine so that others may see Christ good works in us. May we be careful to speak words of healing and salvation to all men; it is wise to follow the Word of God as our greatest example; Colossians 3:16 (KJV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The fact is if you cannot say anything good; do not say anything at all. Meditating on God’s Word places our focus on His truth and gives us peace from such insults; Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) state “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Let us dress in our spiritual armor every day, Satan will attack over and over again, but we are victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Proverbs 30:5 (KJV) state: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” When we faithfully concentrate on Him. . . everything will be all right.

May the blessing, peace, and joy of the Lord be with us now and forever.