POWER OF THE TONGUE

(And Contest Winner Announced)

by Molly Noble Bull
http://www.mollynoblebull.com/  

Stick and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
In my opinion, nothing could be more false. Words spoken in anger, haste or with a hint of sarcasm can and do hurt and can be as painful as a sharp sword.
The human tongue is powerful, and the Old Testament Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on that topic, warning people to control anger and always speak in love. The scriptures below all come from the Book of Proverbs. (Good New Bible) When you finish reading them, scroll down to learn the name of the winner in the Will You Sell Before the Rapture contest. Please leave a comment.

Proverbs 17: 5 
If you make fun of poor people, you insult the God who made them. You will be punished if you take pleasure in someone=s misfortune. 
Proverbs 12: 18
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. 
Proverbs 16: 24 
Kind words are like honeyCsweet to the taste and good for your health.
Proverbs 12: 25
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up. 
Proverbs 14: 17 
People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm. 
Proverbs 14: 29 
If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are.
Proverbs 15: 1 
A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up. 
Proverbs 15: 4
Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.   
Proverbs 13: 3 
Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.
Proverbs 15: 28 
A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.
Proverbs 16: 21 
A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.
Proverbs 16: 23
Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.  
Proverbs 16: 27
Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil. 
Proverbs 16: 28
Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.
Proverbs 18: 20
You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say.  
Proverbs 18: 21
What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.
Proverbs 19: 11 
If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it. 
Proverbs 19: 19
If someone has a hot temper, let him take the consequences. If you get him out of trouble once, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 20: 3 
Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them.
Proverbs 20: 19 
A gossip can never keep a secret. Stay away from people who talk too much. 
Proverbs 24: 11  
Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them, and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy. 

And the winner is. Terri Gillespie. Please leave a comment on the article or the contest.