We’ve all heard the cliché, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, we should recognize that this saying is far from the truth. Words, whether spoken or written, can be just as impactful as physical actions.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you didn’t watch what you said? I was chatting with a friend this weekend and was reminded of an incident from my college days.
Storytime: I remember being on a date in college and thinking I was sending a text message to a friend about the guy I was with. Unfortunately, I accidentally sent the message to the guy himself and initially had no idea I had done so. While the message wasn’t terrible, I cringed and wanted to disappear from embarrassment right there in the theater. This experience underscored how words can leave a lasting impression, and it taught me to always assume the microphone is on.
I’m continually working on being mindful of my words. Scripture offers a poignant reminder:
“We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.” James 3:3-5 NLT
Words matter! They have the power to build up or tear down. It’s easy to say something, but much harder to take those words back.
Remember, the microphone is always on—watch your words!