The Healing Power of Words
Posted on July 16, 2008 by DFHS Article Team
"There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." [Book of Proverbs 12:18]
There is an old saying: "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me" no doubt you have heard of it?
It is utter and complete garbage!
Both the words that people speak to you AND the words that YOU speak to others carry tremendous power.
Words can hurt, wound and destroy. Words can encourage, inspire and uplift.
And… words can definitely heal!
How Do We Apply This?
1. NEVER tell someone they are stupid, dumb, ignorant, useless etc – especially a child! You do NOT have that right! And… if you have spoken to someone in this manner, do the right thing and apologize!
2. Think BEFORE you speak. Make a ‘decision divorced from emotions’ to use your words to edify and encourage people.
3. Speak the solution not the problem. I don’t mean that you ignore reality rather that you use your words to speak solutions not just problems. One great example of this is that if you are someone who constantly says "I can’t afford to" try this: start saying to yourself: "How can I afford this?"
The results will amaze you! When you speak like this, your brain starts to seek out different options – ideas and solutions that you would never have thought of will suddenly spring to mind.
4. Start using your words to encourage people. Compliment people. Get a copy of the old classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" Read it and do what it says!
5. Pay attention to what you watch, read and listen to. You know the old computer adage: "Garbage In Garbage Out" well the same is true of the human mind! Fill your mind with things that build you up rather than things that lead to mediocrity.
6. Do you love someone? Don’t just think it – tell them. Tell them often. Do you know the 6 most common words at a funeral? "If only I had told them…"
7. Be willing to tell people you have hurt "I am sorry – please forgive me" Just this last week on the TV in Australia one of the current affairs show told the story of a man who was abused by a catholic priest.
They interviewed a prominent leader in that ‘religion’ here over what appeared to be an official cover up of the incident (that had ruined the life of the man in question) and I personally was struck by how proud, arrogant, annoyed and totally unfeeling this leader seemed to be.
Rather than feeling ashamed and shocked and fully of pity for the individual, everything about this religious leader from his body language to the tone of his voice seemed to indicate he was annoyed that he was getting asked questions about his role in responding to the incident.
He destroyed any shred of credability he could have had. (at least in my eyes!).
In one segment of the show, the guy that had been abused said "All I want is for someone to say "I’m Sorry!"
It is sad that so many people seem to consider saying sorry to be a sign of weakness when in reality, it is one of the greatest character strengths anyone can ever possess.
If you do these 7 things, you will start to see the healing power of words work in your life and in the lives of others.
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- Michael Padeskies
