“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life…” (Pro. 13:3) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Pro. 18:21) Psychologists from Jena University in Germany explain that hurtful words can trigger reactions in certain parts of the brain that cause PHYSICAL PAIN. In the “Scientific American” article, “What Causes Chest Pain When Feelings Are Hurt?”, Robert Emery and Jim Coan, professors of psychology at the University of Virginia, explain that “…emotional pain involves the same brain regions as physical pain, suggesting the two are intimately connected.”
That’s why the bible says, “The soothing tongue is a TREE OF LIFE, but a perverse tongue CRUSHES THE SPIRIT.” (Pro. 15:4) Is there anyone who actually believes the line, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me”? I somehow doubt it, but now science knows the literal harm that words inflict. While it’s true that slicing your finger instead of the onion is one kind of pain and being dumped by someone you love is another, there’s evidence that they have MORE IN COMMON THAN NOT. In other words the pain is real!
James says, “…among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (Jam. 3:6) James goes on to say, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it WE CURSE HUMAN BEINGS, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, THIS SHOULD NOT BE.” (Jam. 3:9-10) That’s’ why Paul says, “Let your speech ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that you may know how YOU OUGHT TO ANSWER each one.” (Col. 4:6)
-Bill Stockham