Two frogs were hopping through the woods together. As they talked they hopped right into a deep pit. When they realized how deep the pit was, they began trying to jump out but were unable to do so. As they continued to try to jump high enough to get out of the pit, the forest animals gathered around the top of the hole. They began yelling things such as "It's hopeless. Just give up and realize you are going to die". After some time, one of the frogs DID give up and just laid down and died. The other frog just kept trying harder and harder. The forest animals continued to yell and jump up and down swinging their arms and cupping their hands by their mouths. Finally, the frog gave one last hoorah jump and made it out. The animals were amazed and asked him why he hadn't given up like his friend. Couldn't you hear us telling you to give up? The frog told them that he was hard of hearing and when he looked up and saw them yelling and jumping up and down, he thought they were encouraging him to try.
Proverbs 18:21a o- Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
Proverbs 16:24
Everyone loves to be talked to sweetly. Sweet words warm our hearts and make us feel better. We call babies and kids cute little nicknames. Husbands & wives call each other special names (especially in private).
When husband calls me "baby", it makes me feel endeared to him. Makes me feel special to him. He only calls me that at moments when he feels close to me so I know it's a special term. He has never been someone who is overly critical or spoke negatively to me. It has been rare in our 32 years of marriage. However, those few times will come to mind at crazy times and cause pain all over again. WORDS ARE POWERFUL!
---It has been said that people will forget what you do to them but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Don't just speak empty words. WE to speak to people in a manner that the person hearing, whether child, spouse, relative or friend, BELIEVE what is being said. (empty I love yous overly said, have no real impact)
It is important for parents to talk sweetly to their kids. We should use positive words to edify, strengthen character, & make them feel loved. As mothers, we should be builders in our homes both of children & husband. - Prov. 14:1
---We tear down our homes when we are nagging & being critical of everything that someone does
---Using words like "you never" or "you always" followed by a negative statement causes feelings of failure & never good enough
---Be encouraging about what is actually right
Gossip, that we are all guilty of at times, is very destructive. Also, there is a fine line between covering a transgression out of love and helping someone to continue in sin. While we should help up those who are down, because we which are spiritual are to restore such an one-- we are not to enable more sin. We don't have to go spread the wrong to everyone causing more destruction but neither should we not expose & confront the sin to the person. Accountability for sin is the best deterrent!
Words can be destructive or instructive. Prov. 16:21 - The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Sweet words can instruct. People will grow & blossom under an instructor (parent, teacher, pastor) if the words are spoken in truth, love & kindness. Prov. 15:2 & 7 When counseling, teaching or disciplining someone, always try to find a scripture to back up what you are saying. EX. - remind children that it is your duty given by God to discipline them & spank & show them the verses.
The opposite of sweet words is bitter words. Psalm 64:2-4 Harsh or negative words pierce like arrows & leave a wound that may never heal.
---Experts have said that physical abuse is often easier to overcome than verbal because bruises, cuts, & broken bones heal but words ring on forever in our minds.
Think about someone speaking that way from your past, whether childhood or something else. Prov. 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
--- Harsh & negative words come from anger & bitterness in the heart. It is hard to be around a person who is always angry or negative or critical.
These kinds of words contribute to people feeling unloved, unworthy, useless & rejected. People who live in the negative all the time are usually ill more often with ulcers, headaches or even serious illness.
People who have positive thoughts & give out positive comments are happy & rarely get sick.
James 3:3-10
Prov. 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
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