Sticks and Stones

(Proverbs 18:8 KJV)  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

I have a collection of what I call Pumice Proverbs.  They are little sayings I have put together from different inspirations.  I think one of the first I tweaked was,

“Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words impair my healing.”

“Words” (1697) can be empty and ignored or they can change the world.  Think of some that stand out,

“We hold these truths to be self evident...”

“We have peace in our time.”

“Mr. Gorbechof, tear down this wall.”

“I am the Way, the Truth and the life...”

“Did you hear what Al did last night?”

You and I may never say anything that will go down as history changing.  We may have few that pay attention to us.  One thing I have noticed in school, however, is that students who never seem to listen to what I want to teach them will hear every mistake I make.  Kids who seem in a daze will wake up enough to tell me I have a stain on my shirt.

So?  We need to watch our mouths.  This is a guard detail that no one else can do and will never end.  Pray for strength and awareness.  God is listening.