The Power of The Tongue
There once was an older man who detested his neighbour so much, that he started making up rumours that his neighbour was a thief. Over time people started believing the older man and no one wanted anything to do with the neighbour. As a result of the older man’s comments, the neighbour started losing friends and even his business started failing.
Feeling isolated and alone he decided to sue the old man. In court the old man told the Judge: “They were just words, they didn't actually hurt anyone.” The judge, before passing sentence on the case, told the old man: “Write all the things you said about your neighbour on a piece of paper. Cut them up and on the way home, throw the pieces of paper out the window.
Tomorrow, come back to hear my verdict.' The next day, the judge told the old man: “I’ve decided in your favour, but you have to do one thing first. Before receiving my verdict, you have to go out and gather all those pieces of paper that you threw out window.” The old man said: “I can't do that! The wind has spread them all over the place, I wouldn’t know where to find them.”
The judge then replied: “When we say hurtful things about someone it works the same way. You’ll never be able to get those words back and he ruled against the old man.” The interesting point about this story is, it reminds us that when we speak negatively about someone, it may just feel like us venting and that our words and comments are harmless.
However, in reality those words and comments can tear someone to pieces, causing so much pain and suffering that those pieces can never be put back together. Once spoken those words can never be taken back. Just like those pieces of paper blowing in the wind. If we can’t speak well of someone, then we should learn to say nothing at all.
Posts
Post a Comment