Sticks and Stones

 “. . . Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” Colossians 3:17.

The adage about sticks, stones, and words appeared as early as the year 1862. One and a half centuries after leaving the author's lips or pen, the phrase is still quoted today.

Sticks and Stones: Ouch! Yes, they do hurt; you know that if you have ever been on the receiving end of a baseball bat swung or flung into the air. Stones—well, that goes without saying; even a small one can cause pain. Ever had one inside your shoe? Sticks and stones can and do cause bodily harm, which may also turn into emotional harm as events lock into your memory bank.

Words (intentional): Bam! You said it, and you meant it. The goal was to inflict pain, doubt, shame, guilt, agony—mission accomplished! You have no intention of apologizing because the receiver of your words deserved them.

Words (unintentional): Oh my! You opened your mouth without realizing “your foot was in it.” Your words stung, caused grief, sorrow, opened old wounds, parted a friendship—if only you could take back what you spoke. You can apologize (and be forgiven), but the damage stays, and both parties carry unerasable memories.

Be careful where you “swing your bat.” Jesus said not to judge others. The standard you use to evaluate others is the one they will use to assess you. We are not to worry about removing the speck or splinter in a friend’s eye (something wrong in their life) when we have a log in ours. First, rid yourself of what’s wrong in your life so you can see clearly to help someone else (Matthew 7:3–5).

Now, about our mouths. David, the great psalmist, penned a solution regarding the words that proceed from the portals of our lips: “Set a watch O, Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). God sets a guard over our mouth before any word is voiced at our request, warning if it is not acceptable. He will not make us say what’s right; that’s a choice we must make. But He is always available to help us rightly speak when we ask. Remember, as God’s children, whatever we do or say, we are the representatives of the Lord Jesus.