We have all heard the saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” The problem with that saying is that it is simply untrue. Sticks and stones can break your bones. That much of the saying is true. But to say that words can never hurt s totally false. Words can cut you asunder. Words can destroy you.
Someone wrote many years ago about a place called
Gossip Town on the shore of falsehood bay.
It’s a place where rumors grow the livelong day.
It isn’t far to Gossip Town for those who want to go.
The Idleness Train will take you there in just a minute or so.
The thoughtless road is a popular route
And folks start that way. It’s steep down grade,
And if you don’t watch out you’ll land in Falsehood bay.
You glide through the Valley of Vicious Folk
And into the Tunnel of Hate;
Then crossing the Add-to-Bridge, you walk
Right into the City Gate.
The principal street is called, “They Say,” and “I’ve Heard” is the public well.
The breezes that Blow from Falsehood Bay are laden with “Don’t you tell”.
In the midst of the town is Tell-tale Park.
You’re never quite safe while there,
It’s owner is Suspicious Remark, who lives on the street “Don’t Care.
Just back of the park is Slander Row,
‘Twas there that “Good Name” died, pierced by a dart from Jealousy’s bow in the hands of Envious Pride.
From Gossip Town, Peace long since fled.
Think before you speak. Verify what you hear before you repeat it. The best advice is from God’s Word, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
In His Love,
Charles
