Hey YOU. What did you say?

The Talmud says, “ A covenant was made with the lips,”, and words will always have an effect. On another note, but on the same subject, our sages tell us, that dreams go according to their interpretations.

Years ago, perhaps it would sound strange to say that words generated by people are actual energies with actual strength to it. Today, more than ever and for so many reasons, we can appreciate the strength of sound and words with voice generated computer programs and sound waves that can be measured.

In the same way, G-d created the world in ten statements. A person can either create or destroy worlds with his words.

The Code of Jewish Law says, even in jest, we must be very careful and conscientious of our words. A person should not say about a living person who shows up late to a meeting, “If he where alive he would surely be here already “, as if to insinuate he must be dead. This can direct death in the direction of that person.

There was once a scholar by the name of Yehudah who would study all week long, and when he would return home for the Shabbat, a pillar of fire could be seen in front of him. One week, he was so engrossed in his studies, that he remained behind Friday night. His father in law, Rabbi Yannai, a very prominent teacher said in jest, “ Who knows if he is still alive”, and not very long afterwards, Yehuda passed away. The Talmud attributes his death to the comments that where made by his father-in-law.

When Moses sent out spies to explore and investigate the Land of Israel, ten of the twelve spies “spoke bad regarding the land”. In one of the reports they said, ”We thought of ourselves like grasshoppers in the eyes of the inhabitants.” Our sages tell us, it was the belittling statements that actually diminished their strength and greatness, and this is what caused them, to not be able to enter the Land of Israel

The other two of the twelve spies who spoke with faith, strength and optimism lived long lives and entered the land.

Although, it does make a difference who is the one who is saying the positive or negative words, a great person will have a much greater strength in their words, we should never take lightly the blessings and good wishes of even a simple person.

When King David purchased the land upon which to build the Temple, the simple local farmer blessed him that the plague that was so severe at the time should stop, and the Talmud says, “this blessing was fulfilled.”

Before Daniel the prophet was thrown into the lion’s den, King Daryavesh blessed him that the lions not harm Daniel, and, it was fulfilled.

There is an expression sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That is absolutely not true. Words have a power in them that is by far more powerful and deep reaching than what sticks and stones can bring about.

Good and positive words can and will create, while bad and negative words will destroy.