We all have had some unkind words said to us. Sorry to say, but children can be the unkindest. We well remember those childhood cutting remarks that brought tears to our eyes. Those who have little children or grandchildren, deal with this problem right now. What are we to do and what do we tell the children God places in our hearts when such hurtful words are uttered?
Plato was a philosopher who looked at daily activities and said some profound things about them. In dealing with harsh words, he said: “If people speak ill of you, live so that no one will believe them.” Now, that is some sound advice. When others say unkind words to us, just let them go off of us like water off a duck’s back and live to prove them wrong. In so doing, we can prove we are not the way they speak about us.
The Bible talks about us being kind one to another. We are told by Jesus to turn the other cheek. One Scripture focuses directly upon this area of criticism: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29). This verse says that we are not to criticize anyone. As we look closer to this verse, we notice that we are to say positive, uplifting, encouraging words. This applies to everyone we talk to or about, including those who criticize us.
We know that venomous words will come our direction. It is just a matter of time for it to happen. When it does, our response is twofold. First, follow Plato’s advice and live in such a way that proves the words false. Second, follow the Bible’s command to return their evil words with uplifting, positive words. That is the antidote for venomous words.
