Words can be Weapons

ILLUSTRATION:  Tell a story about a time someone hurt you with their words.

— TENSION —

• Those words stuck with me. I know it’s silly, but I can still relive the feelings from that phrase.

• I’ve heard it said, “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt me.”

• This cliché statement isn’t true.

• Sticks and stones bring temporary pain, but words can hurt for a lifetime.

• Words can hurt us.

• Words can haunt us.

• Words can replay repeatedly in our heads.

• Words can lead us to dark places. Words can change the direction of our lives.

• Sticks and stones can break bones, but words can break hearts.

• At the core of this message is one central truth — your words have power. Let’s explore how the book of Proverbs addresses the power of our words.

• The book of Proverbs compiles good advice and wise sayings designed to help people live a better life. Each little saying is called a Proverb.

• We actually have numerous Proverbs in our American cultural literature.

• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

• “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

• “Action speaks louder than words.”

• “Ba-Da-Ba-Ba-Ba I’m loving it.”

• These are little sayings designed to pack a big punch.

• Proverbs represents a genre of ancient writing called “wisdom literature.”

• The authors of Proverbs leverage poetic language to enhance our lives in practical ways.

• The rich language is packed with contrast and juxtaposition— the fool versus the wise, the hardworking versus the lazy, and the godly versus the ungodly.

• In this passage, the comparison is “hurting” versus “healing.” Solomon uses the picture of your tongue being like a sword — your words can stab, cut, and wound.

• When you’re reading Proverbs as a whole, you are reading poetry. I know, that didn’t sound like any poem you’ve ever heard. In English, most of these proverbs lost their rhyme scheme or alliteration. But, they were poetic in Hebrew — their original language.

— TRANSITION —

I hear you saying, “this is a three thousand year old quote book, what good is it for me today?”

We have cell phones, the internet, and good dental hygiene. How can we glean wisdom from such an ancient source?

These proverbs are designed to give you a practical filter — for your words and actions.

When you are reading wisdom literature, always ask yourself, “How does this message align with my lifestyle? Am I being foolish or wise?”

• In chapter 12, Solomon uses contrasting language to reveal the critical principle that your words are powerful. Wise people take their speech seriously because words can be a weapon or medicine.

• Everything you say or post has tremendous power.

• Professional counselors spend countless hours recounting the hurtful words that changed someone’s life. Unfortunately, many people have heard words that wounded like weapons.

• “I hate you.”

• “You are a disappointment.”

• “You ruin everything.”

• “I don’t love you anymore.”

• Weaponized words can do serious damage to someone.

• This trauma can cultivate long-lasting heartbreak that makes kind words difficult to accept.

• Wounded people often struggle to believe it when someone says, “I am happy you’re here,” “You are special,” or even “I love you.”

• This is tragic — and it proves the power of words.

• How do we protect people from this kind of hurt?

• We must actively apply a filter to our words.

• Just like a water filter purifies our drinking water, we must filter the phrases we share.

• Before you say something, ask, “Does this hurt or heal?”

• One healing phrase can change someone’s entire day.

• “I am happy that you’re my friend.”

• “Your input is so good.”

• “You’re beautiful.”

• “I appreciate you”

• Throw around kind words like confetti.

ILLUSTRATION: Talk about a time when kind words helped you find healing or fulfillment.

• Your words can make a difference.

• Your words can make someone sink or soar — choose language that makes people soar.

• Your kind words can bring comfort to the crushed, healing to the hurting, and worth to those feeling worthless.

• Mother Teressa famously said, “Kind words can be short, but their echoes are endless.”

• Your words can either hurt or heal. Ensure your words heal.

TALK IT OUT  Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Q1: What’s the funniest phrase you’ve heard from a little kid?

Q2: Think of a time someone spoke something kind to you. How did that affect you?

Q3: Think of a time someone said something unkind to you. How did that affect you?

Q4: How can we unintentionally speak words that harm instead of heal? What can we do to prevent unintentionally hurting someone with our words?

Q5: How can you carefully filter what words you choose to speak?

Q6: Choose one person you’d like to intentionally build up every day this week with your words. How can you improve his or her day with your words?

READING PLAN

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Micah 6:8

Matthew 5:44

Romans 13:8 1

Peter 4:8 1

Corinthians 2:9

John 13:34 1

Corinthians 13:1

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.