The power of negative words

In Numbers 13, the majority of the spies give a very negative and fearful report of the obstacles they saw in the land God had promised them and in spite of God’s promise, the people buy into the negative words of the spies and reject the promise of God. This is a great example of the fact that our negative words have a far greater negative impact on people than our positive words have a positive impact on them. Let me say that again. Our negative words have a far greater negative impact on people than our positive words have a positive impact on them. If you don't think that's true, talk to any business person who runs a customer service oriented company and who relies on reviews for their success and they will tell you that for every negative review, it takes 12 positive reviews to overcome the damage. We have to keep this in mind when it comes to our churches, our lives, our families, and where we work. When we speak negatively, when we utter negative words, it has a far greater negative impact than our positive words have a positive impact. No wonder Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians to not let any unwholesome word come out of your mouth.