Remember the childhood retort, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"? The notion taught was that actions, not words, were what was important. But the reality is that words are very important, even greater than actions sometimes.
Consider the actions of the 9/11 Islamic Terrorists - very bad indeed. But now consider the words Hitler spewed in Germany - the terrorists' actions pale compared to the results of his evil propaganda. Millions died because of the power his words held over nationalistic Germany in WWII.
James warns that the tongue is "a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the course of one's life on fire..." (Jam 3:5). Like the rudder on a ship or a bit in a horse's mouth, the tongue, though small, exerts great influence. And, like a single spark of fire that sets a forrest to blaze, the little tongue can consume and destroy people and nations.
It is because of this potential for harm that Jesus warns, "everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken" (Matt 12:36). We so carelessly say things that sometimes caused great injury or leads to harmful misunderstanding. Not considering and therefore not caring about the impact of our words, much evil is fueled by our wagging tongues.
Paul was very clear in admonishing us to weigh our words before speaking: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs..." (Eph 4:29).
Sticks and stones can hurt, even when thrown carelessly about. Words can do tremendous damage, even when not intended or simply idle talk. Words always have impact. Jus' Sayn.
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