Today, I was listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss and she too was talking about the words we speak; what we say in private, public and especially to friends and family. She reminded us that as
we speak words of blessing, we promote blessing. As we speak words of
cursing, we promote cursing. Be careful 'mindful' when you say or hear things like, "I was
just teasing. Just joking."
Proverbs 26 talks about people who say, "I'm just teasing." Here's
how it describes that kind of teasing, that kind of cursing. It says,
"Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is a man who
deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (vs. 18–19)
So, when you speak the words, “I was just teasing,” what you tell others or makes you appear as... is a crazy man/woman who is throwing firebrands,
arrows, and death. Guide your tongue wisely!
Proverbs 10:17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
When at work we guys sometimes make friendly jabs at each other - but we all know exactly what it is and never have to say "I'm joking". I think it's a"guy thing". But when some people do it - and especially a lot - they aren't so obvious they are just making a friendly jab. Then, because they know they can come off as not joking they have to suddenly qualify it by saying so. I think there is a big difference between the occasional friendly "jab" and regular insults called "kidding". It's like sarcasm. It's meant to obtain a place of superiority in a group setting but by saying "I'm kidding" you try and take yourself off the hook. This is a learned behavior. What we say to people and the way we say it can harm more than physical violence. Sticks and stones might not break bones but they can do immeasurable emotional/mental/spiritual damage....often far more painful and long lasting than physical violence.
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