“The human tongue is a beast that few can master. It strains constantly to break out of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it will run wild and cause you grief.” - The Holy Bible

There is an English-language children’s rhyme, the first known record being 1830. The wording is self-explanatory and when spoken is a way of strengthening a person’s resolve against a verbal attack, to avoid physical retaliation and help them stay calm. The rhyme is usually a variant of:

Sticks and stones may break my bones

But words will never hurt me.

I am living proof that the age old and often quoted rhyme is a falsehood.

Words may only hurt if you succumb to the attack. Whoever said that doesn’t understand the power of words and the effect they can have on different minds. Senses drive emotions, and our senses vary from person to person, circumstance, and time. Ask any playwright, filmmaker or author. Or ask why the Buddha said:

‘Do not speak harshly to anyone; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful: blows for blows will touch thee.’

If the person delivering a stinging rebuke is of no consequence to you and you can ignore them and walk away, that’s fine for you. But when the words come from someone close and are delivered with ill intent, they can have a devastating effect, and they often do, causing serious illness and irreparable harm. When hurtful things creep into our daily lives, they go unnoticed and seem normal, until it’s too late.

Arguments often lead to murder, and casual remarks to physical violence. Don’t think for a moment that words will never hurt you. They can hurt, humiliate, and humble you. They are mighty powerful instruments and should be used with the utmost care. In the wrong hands they have the power to maim and inflict great suffering. In the right hands they have the power to heal, console and motivate. When trading words, use them wisely – treat them with respect. Do not be frivolous lest they turn and bite you in the arse.

If Shakespeare doesn’t mind, I’d like to change a stanza from the opening speech of Richard III from;

And now, instead of mounting barbed steeds

To fright the souls of fearful adversaries,

He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber

To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.

to

And now, instead of speaking barbed words

To fright the souls of those who love her,

She dances nimbly in their company

To make them think she cares.