Like a KnifeSample

You’ve heard that phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”, but we also know that that couldn’t be further from the truth! We have all been hurt at some point by another person’s words, or we’ve hurt somebody else with our words. Words are powerful, and they have the power to hurt or to heal as we see in Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

So, when we talk about someone, we need to be careful about what we say. The rumor mill is a powerful thing in middle and high school, and there is a major temptation to be involved in the latest gossip. However, the Bible teaches us not to be involved in the rumor mill: “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” Proverbs 20:19.

If we ever find ourselves in the temptation to talk about others, we need to be careful, because Satan “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. Satan will use anything against you to make you fail. So practice saying what God says about people, rather than what Satan would have you say.

What does the Bible say? That we are wonderfully made! “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14. Let’s think about that, “Wonderful are your works”. What does that mean? It means that everything God has made, is wonderful! That includes the person that you may be tempted to gossip about. That person is fearfully and wonderfully made! So when you are tempted to gossip about anyone, remember that God created them too. Let’s use our words, not to gossip and tear down, but in a way that honors God.