This old, English proverb is well-known, but it’s also a load of bullshit.
Everything we do, we do in language. We speak in language (sometimes body language), but language, nevertheless. We think in language and language defines our identities. He is possibly a man, a woman, a cat or an it. The same goes for the third-person term “she”. In short, language makes us who we are.
Proverbs and their meanings
Proverbs are short little sayings containing sometimes wisdom and sometimes humour. They are defined to teach little life lessons or provide comfort. Examples are:
• The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. …
• All that glitters is not gold. …
• A picture is worth a thousand words. …
• Beggars can’t be choosers. …
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. …
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away. …
• Better safe than sorry. …
• Blood is thicker than water.
And, of course, the title of this post.
Different kinds of abuse
Abuse could be either verbally or physically. Physical abuse takes a bit more effort on the part of the abuser, but both of these kinds of abuse could have terrible concequences.
If language is so deeply interwoven into our every fiber and if “words can never harm me”, why do school children commit suicide after being verbally abused by their peers?
Should words not be able to harm me, why does it hurt so much when your partner tells you that things are not working out and that it’s time to move on?
If words won’t hurt you, why does it feels like you are going to shit yourself whenever you receive mail from the revenue services?
If one of your parents is a bad person and someone tells you that “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, why does it make you angry or sad?
The list can go on and on, but by this time, you should get the message: Sticks and stones may break your bones and words can most surely hurt you.
But there is one piece of folk wisdom or proverb that I strongly believe in: What you sow, so shall you reap. So, think before you speak. Let your words define you as either a man of wisdom and compassion or a man of selfishness and foolishness.