"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!" I remember that popular push-back when I was a kid. It was supposed to deflect the hurtful things that other kids said to you and render their words as harmless. But it could not be further from the truth!
Words can and do actually destroy people, especially children. They do not even have to be used to intentionally hurt someone. An innocent remark can accidentally affect someone for a lifetime. Think back at something that someone has said to you and how you reacted to it and maybe even how it changed the course of your life.
Words can also be used to positively influence a person and speak life into them. Has anyone said something to you that changed your life in a good way or lifted you up from a dark situation? Children need encouragement and uplifting words spoken to them and over them.
We need to choose our words carefully so that we speak life and blessings into people!
Proverbs 15:4 (NLT) - "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) - "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."