According to English-Grammar-Lessons.com, the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones” is commonly used to imply that a verbal insult or bullying do not have the same impact as physical harm. It suggests that while physical actions can cause injury, words cannot cause the same level of pain. The phrase is often completed with “but names will never hurt me,” reinforcing the idea that one should not be affected by hurtful words. The origin of this expression can be traced back to a speech by E.H. Heywood in 1862, where it was used to resolve a conflict among children. Overall, it serves as a defense mechanism against verbal attacks.

I can relate to Randall Munroe’s version of this saying. For me, it implies that yes, words do hurt and can make me think that it’s all my fault, too.  The actual quotes should probably say… “Sticks and stones may break my bones, and yes, words do hurt me.”

Recently, I heard a bible study on the verse, Proverbs 18:21. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The pastor talked about the words we speak over ourselves, such as “I’m so tired, I feel so depressed, it’s never going to happen to me,” etc. And, the words we speak out loud to others, for example, “You suck. You’re never going to make it! You are going to do that?” You get the picture.

One of the things this pastor said was that words are seeds and not sounds (Credit: GVBC). Think about that. Repeat it in your head. What you plant is what grows, what clings, what keeps you in bondage, and what keeps you either thriving or hurting.

And so, when I hear that famous quote on sticks and stones, I’m reminded that speaking life over myself and to others is far better than speaking death. Our tongues work faster than our thoughts. We need to rein it in.

Guard your thoughts so that when you speak and put them out in the air, you are manifesting a better outcome, and you can disarm that awful, misused quote from E.H. Heywood.

What are you going to be speaking about?

 

 

 

Credit:

Randall Munroe Quote

Global Vision Bible Church – Pastor Greg Locke Quote