Cursing: Just as easily as we can bless others with our words, we can also curse them. And ourselves.
Words carry power. In the Bible, God created everything in Genesis 1:1. Then during the days that followed, He simply spoke things into being with the elements created in Genesis 1:1.
But when words are used to tear down, they find a way to lodge in people’s hearts and minds and can destroy one’s spirit and stir up hatred and violence. How often have the words been spoken,
"You're so stupid."
"You'll never amount to anything."
"Loser."
Good News: "A proverb says: A curse without a cause cannot land." This is good news. So what happens to the curse if it cannot land on it's intended target? It will fall to the ground, or return to the sender. This is not good news for the sender.
Words have power depending on the level of authority the person speaking them has and how vulnerable the recipient is.We need to watch what comes out of our mouths, and guard ourselves when people say words over us.
Honorable Mention: Cryptotheology, Cold Spots, Channeling, Clairvoyance, Conjuration
Tomorrow: D is for Dream Communication
Great post on a word that can easily hurt or make one think.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
So true! You have no idea how many times a day I ask God to put His hand over my mouth.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve - Cursing is not a good idea - and hurting others with words is really so unkind. Remembering we care and being kind to others .. helps so much .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteVery nicely said, and wise. The old adage if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all...something we were taught when young, needs to reservice.
ReplyDeleteFlorence Scovel Shin has a book called 'Word is my Wand' - Speech is powerful yes indeed...and the Buddhists talk about Right Speech too.
ReplyDeleteI remember my cousin saying ' if you cant say something nice about my mother, then don't say it'..that made me more aware of what I was doing
Words can break or heal. So yes we should be careful what we write. Looking forward to Dream communication tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSuzy at Someday Somewhere
Curse without a cause can't land - that is good news!
ReplyDeleteWe have to be so careful with our words.
I saw an interesting Dove commercial the other day online that had French women write down all the negative things they say to themselves. Then two actresses sat near them in a cafe later on and acted out their lines...one of the actresses said all the negative things to the other one. It sounded very cruel, saying those things to another person. The point of the commercial was....if they're such cruel words, why is it acceptable to say them to ourselves? Good post, Stephen.
ReplyDeleteNicely stated... we need to share a positive.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how our world events are shaped by words, for better or worse.
ReplyDeleteWords do have an enormous power to hurt or build up. I prefer building up. Even with my kids, I was careful, even angry, not to call them or label them. For example I wouldn't call them stupid although I would say, that was a stupid thing to do and you're smarter than that. Focus the word on action and not the person doing the action.
ReplyDeleteSia McKye Over Coffee
So true with the impact of our words. The Bible is so true as it talks about the destruction of the tongue and the wickedness of it. I like Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. I think some people need to put a door over their lips.
ReplyDeletebetty
Words have so much power. We should be careful what we say to each other.
ReplyDeleteWe have studied the "Occult" since childhood.... we know some "interesting" Curses... (We do Not recommend Ever trying to cast one... make the least mistake and it can easily "backfire".... In my lifetime , we have only cast a few...
ReplyDeleteOne was witnessed by others.... and one cast upon a business (the curse of "Fire and Ice" worked quite well)....
(My first time we tried ... it worked ... the teen who had "pi$$ed me off slowly withered and died within a 6 month period)
The next time we tried ... it went "Wrong" ... and I lost all of my relatives.... all six one per month till none remained...
... My Advice ... leave "Curses" alone....
Dr. Theda, that's great advice!
DeleteThat would be why we are very careful about the words that are said in our house. Three curses lose you half an hour of computer time. (Right then if you're currently on the computer.)
ReplyDeleteOut of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. That's somewhere in the Bible. Not sure where.
ReplyDeleteI like your definition of cursing here. I was expecting something about swear words, which I don't actually disapprove of, but meanness is a terrible thing.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, the power of words. I always try to be mindful of the impact my words will have on someone. I know all too well how words can scorch one's soul as I was bullied in school. I used to use the same vitriol that was spewed on me, until one day I simply responded with, "This is how God made me. Now who are YOU to judge THAT?" That had so much more power than any cursing I could've used in these battles. The power of words -- if only more people would realize their power and their consequences, the world just might be a better place...
ReplyDeleteGreat post Stephen.
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, you're an overcomer by your words and your beliefs that back them up.
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ReplyDeleteNo better way to make a person stupid than by labeling them that way. Great post, Stephen.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Stephen. And a good reminder. I always liked the 'I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks back to you' response to being told something bad. A bit juvenile perhaps, but truthful.
ReplyDelete~AJ Lauer
an A-Z Cohost
@ayjaylauer on Twitter
I see road rage every week. Sometimes every day. People role down their windows and curse and scream at each other. Crazy.
ReplyDeleteJust shows how wrong that rhyme is - sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. I think words can hurt far worse that physical injury.
ReplyDeleteGreat addition to A-to-Z! I've been torn down by way too many words in my lifetime, I must admit. Heh.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"- and Eleanor Roosevelt quote I say to m clients (I'm a therapist) at least once a day, everyday.
ReplyDeleteWords have power.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and curses and all that is between. Yes, Words do have power
ReplyDeleteSo true! I used to pray all the time that the Holy Spirit would help me to respond rather than to react. Sometimes it is better not to speak at all.
ReplyDeleteI love the old saying, "Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth."
ReplyDeleteHa! When I read your title I saw cruising, which I LOVE. Fortunately, I quickly figured it out. My favorite is found in the book of James: In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
ReplyDeleteScribbles From Jenn - Visiting from the A to Z Challenge
I often wonder how many times people curse others without even realizing it.
ReplyDeleteWords are powerful, we need to wield them thoughtfully.
ReplyDeleteNever underestimate the power of words.
ReplyDeleteWords bruise the soul for a long time or even a life time in some. Choosing carefully what you say to another is highly recommended and if you're angry, then it's important to cool down before your tongue wags the wrong way. Good post!
ReplyDeleteYes. It is believed that words have power to hurt or heal. In India, that is why since ancient times, people have been told to talk well or good of others. It is also believed in Hinduism that there are certain Gods all around us, saying "so be it" for all that we say. So we need to be careful of what we think and what we say.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. All I can say is Amen.
ReplyDeleteJetgirl visiting via Forty, c'est Fantastique
Rightly said! Any kind of negativity coming out of someone's mouth counts as a curse, as it can ruin both the curser's and the cursee's day!
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