Words Can Cut Like Knives

Have you ever said something that you regretted later; words that need not have been spoken, but you said them anyway?  The moment they parted the lips, “I shouldn’t have said that” pierced the mind, especially after seeing the affect that unrestrained words had on the other person.  This is the problem with an unbridled tongue.

A person can speak words of life that will encourage souls, or words of death that cause hurt, which may tear down self-esteem and self-worth in others.  It is shameful how some people are quick to express their “brilliant” opinions and ideas, yet, fall short of the mark in learning the art of weighing their words before speaking. 

My mom always said, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”  Words can cut like knives; slicing to the very soul of those on the receiving end.  Harsh words can destroy another person’s confidence in themselves; causing them to lose hope regarding life’s challenges.

I believe people can absolutely learn how not to offend others, and I am convinced that some choose to reject such notions altogether, because they like to hear themselves talk.  For the sake of argument, perhaps certain people are the way they are, because of nationality or culture.  And yes, personality has much to do with attitude when a person is rude and lacks concern for anyone but themselves.

Nevertheless, I believe the preceding justifications are mere excuses; cop-outs that people use when trying to cover up the truth of their unconcerned nature.  There are those that are quick to blame everything and everyone under the sun for the way they are, so much so that they live in a world of their own making, not caring that they berate others with words that cut to the very core of inner feelings. 

In my opinion, “I can’t help it” or “I can’t change” are weak excuses for not making the needed changes in the way people talk and how they treat others.  I call these types of individuals, bullies, which torment and browbeat those around them.  They remind me of the bullies in school that picked on everyone as they strutted down the hallways on campus.

They needed a good kick in the pants, figuratively speaking, early on in life, or better yet, a caring, male figure to come alongside them and give direction; showing compassion and love.  I remember a courageous, brave soul that was tired of being verbally abused and pushed around and punched the bully in the nose. 

You may be appalled to even consider causing another human being discomfort by giving them a bloody nose; and I know this is not the way to settle problems, but for this boy it worked.  It helped his state of mind and he was no longer picked on.  In fact, the bully and I became good friends after the incident occurred.

Bullies are seldom challenged or set in their place.  They are allowed to expel words that cut deeply, without facing the consequences for their abuse.  Most of them have foul mouths, with tongues that are hard to tame, but not impossible with God’s help.  The Bible says that the tongue is the most unruly member of the body and that it sits on hell-fire; full of poison.

(James 3:5-10), “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”  vs.6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”  vs.7 “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.”  vs.8 “But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”  vs.9 “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.”  vs.10 “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

I knew a man that before he met the Lord and experienced the “new birth” through Jesus Christ, he had a foul mouth and spoke his mind with no thought of whose feelings he might hurt.  He was strong willed with an uncaring spirit, not by reason of nationality or culture, but by choice.  He had an, “I don’t care!” type attitude.

What he needed was a poke in the nose or kick in the pants by the Holy Spirit, like bullies in school, but Jesus showed him a better way other than violence.  He came along side and showed him love and compassion, without having to suffer a bloody nose or worse. 

Someone told him that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid the price for humanity’s sins by shedding His own blood on a cross for our salvation and that we need not shed our blood or someone else’s to become Christians.  Jesus is the only way to God.  

He changed from the unkind, uncaring person that he was to a caring one.  God taught him how to consider his words before speaking them and to treat others in ways that he wanted to be treated.  The Holy Spirit is teaching him, every day, how to love with the same love that Jesus loves him.

His tongue is becoming more and more tame and less nasty and hostile as he grows in grace.  Words that once cut like knives are becoming words of encouragement and hope to others, because of the change that Jesus made in his life when He forgave him of his sins.

If a person is quick to speak cutting words without considering the harm they may cause, they can experience a new way of thinking and possess the wherewithal to push away the old nature and mature in Christ, while developing and evolving into the new nature of godliness.

(Proverbs 15:1-2) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  vs.2 “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”

Don’t take my word for it.  As my dad would say, “Try it you’ll like it.  You don’t know what you’re missing.”  He was talking about food, but our Father in heaven wants everyone to try Him and see if He is not the answer that they have been looking for. 

Those that try the Lord will walk in newness of life, because they will have found the missing piece in their needy existence.  A new walk and a new talk are the positive changes that God makes in a life.  The Holy Spirit mellows nasty words that would normally cut like knives; replacing the old nature with a renewed one.

(Proverbs 25:11), “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” 

Written by,

Papa Boyd