Just as damaging as a madman shooting, a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” Proverbs 26:18-19
Like bullets fired from a gun, words projected from our mouth cannot be retracted. A small critical word may look like an insignificant wound upon impact, but exit wounds are messy and cause far more damage.
Growing up I said harsh words to my sister on more than one occasion, only to come back later and apologize. Her reply was, “Sorry doesn’t help, the damage is already done.” However inaccurate her words may have been, the message was clear. She was hurt by what I said and wouldn’t forget easily.
It’s very easy to be critical and add negative commentary to a conversation. We sometimes use criticism and sarcasm to deflect the pain of cutting words we have endured from others. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that our words can sink deep and inflict damage that strikes at the soul of another and doesn’t negate our own pain.
It takes intentional restraint to refrain from lashing out when we have been hurt; holding your tongue is the right thing to do. I challenge you to reduce the damage of exit wounds by taking less shots at others. “The words of the wise bring healing. Psalm 12:18b”
Words have the power to kill or the power to heal. May your words bring healing to others today.
Blessings,
