The Whole “Sticks and Stones” Thing is a Lie!

We all remember the phrases that mama taught us. But did you know that some of your most treasured phrases and ideals might not be biblical? We should consistently challenge the sentiment of these words to make sure they line up with the Word of God. For example, the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” at face value seems like a great view to have. You are trying to reduce the impact of harmful words by telling the one insulting you that their words have no power over you. Seems nice, but it is a lie! The Bible tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue [Prov 18:21]” and that the tongue is “..an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [James 3:8]”

A more healthy outlook would be the one outlined in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, which says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This verse healthily acknowledges that the insult is there and hurts, but that we can rejoice in it because we know that when we are weakened, the power of God’s grace is increased in our lives. What a promise!