Addicted To Unkind ...

Addicted to Unkind Words

Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, lectures throughout our country on the powerful and often negative impact of words. He often asks those in his audience if they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about or to another person. Invariably a small number raise their hands indicating that they can but there is nervous laughter from most and even a few will call out, "no!"

Telushkin responds: "Those who can’t answer ’yes’ must recognize that you have a serious problem. If you cannot go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you are addicted to alcohol. If you cannot go 24 hours without smoking, you are addicted to nicotine. Similarly, if you cannot go 24 hours without saying unkind words to or about others, then you have lost control of your tongue." (Rick Ezell, One Minute Uplift, July 21, 2006, PreachingToday.com)

Telushkin poses a rather challenging proposition to his audiences.

God poses one similar:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful or building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

Speak wisely, speak kindly and speak positively.

From a sermon by Monty Newton, The Healing Power of Positive Words, 10/17/2009