Actions Speak Louder Than Words, But Words Have The Power To Destroy

33 · 4 min read · 02 Apr 2023 · 41 · 18 · 15

Actions speak louder than words. It's a saying that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it's one that we all know well. After all, we're told that what we do is more important than what we say. We're taught that our actions are what define us, not our words. But what happens when our actions are overshadowed by our words? What happens when we do something kind, but then turn around and say something hurtful? The truth is, actions may speak louder than words, but words can hurt more than actions.

The action

I learned this lesson the hard way. It was a rainy morning, the kind where the rain was downright pouring. I had planned to meet up with my friend, who had actively made time for me despite his busy schedule. He had to wake up at 6 AM to travel two hours as we had only 4 hours before his next appointment, and I knew how much he valued his sleep and time. But he still made the effort to meet me, and that meant a lot to me.

To me this refers to the action that speaks louder than any word. Someone can say they appreciate their time with me, but by making time that you don't have.... that overrules any words.

The word

We sat down at the McCafé. We ordered our drinks and food and started chatting away. We talked about everything and anything, and I couldn't help but feel happy. It was a perfect morning, until it wasn't.

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15 comments

Ingrid

2 years ago

I certainly recognize it. Flabbergasted, you often only know how to react to it afterwards. And the longer someone waits with that, the higher the threshold often. Sometimes something never gets talked out, which only increases the distance from the other... Show moreI certainly recognize it. Flabbergasted, you often only know how to react to it afterwards. And the longer someone waits with that, the higher the threshold often. Sometimes something never gets talked out, which only increases the distance from the other person.
I see actions speak louder than words as: live up to what you say. “I love you” is easy to say, but actions will show whether it is actually the case. Words can be tougher and sharper than the sharpest sword. Actions don't have to define someone. Someone who does something stupid is not necessarily a stupid person. Good luck with what that friend hurt you with.

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enigma

2 years ago

That's something I also try to teach children in my classroom: that words can have at least as much impact as actions. Actually, words and actions have to match, only then is the picture correct.

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Animal Blogger

2 years ago

Yes, someone once said something to me that undid all previous actions, so it hurt me too ❤️

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Dana

1 year ago

Wat mooi en open hoe je het hier neerlegt. Ik heb zeker weten heel wat mensen gekwetst met mijn woorden. Dat doet me verdriet, voor sommigen, maar niet voor allemaal. Ik weet van mezelf dat mijn intenties altijd goed zijn en dat ik nooit iemand bewust kwets.... Show moreWat mooi en open hoe je het hier neerlegt. Ik heb zeker weten heel wat mensen gekwetst met mijn woorden. Dat doet me verdriet, voor sommigen, maar niet voor allemaal. Ik weet van mezelf dat mijn intenties altijd goed zijn en dat ik nooit iemand bewust kwets. Onbewust kwetsen kan natuurlijk ook, dat is dan misschien voor hen die het overkomt (door mijn woorden) een wijze les. Pijn ondervinden van iemands woorden is nooit fijn. Dat besef ik terdege. Ik heb dat meermalen ervaren, meer dan me lief is. Hoe ik mezelf ook inprent dat mogelijk die woorden van anderen evenmin de intentie hebben van kwetsen, toch is het bij sommigen niet te bevatten. Hen die je het naast aan je hart liggen, doen je het meest pijn.

Kinderworkshops Petra

2 years ago

Words can hurt so much. But it's also good than to ask where it came from. Because I maintain that honesty lasts the longest. But it's always wise to see if something also has added value in telling it.

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Mónica

2 years ago

This is so well written! I have found that sometimes even the lack of words have hurt more than the actions.

Digital Barrie

2 years ago

Good early morning sweet... Show moreGood early morning sweet babita.

I say early morning, it's barely 5 a.m.
I'm out for a while and I need to get back to bed soon, but when I'm always out because my nights aren't always pleasant, I check my phone to read something and relax.

Also, I'm taking the effort and time for you now, so I hope it may be as valuable to you as the thought of your friend who also took the time back then.

You write that you have learned a life lesson and that's good girl, there are a lot to come too.

With my writing, I would like to let you know that God overwrites this very clearly in his word and warns us about the tongue.
God calls it a two-edged sword.

Words can make and words can break.

We also need to be careful with our tongue ourselves, precisely because we have been warned and precisely because we experience ourselves.

I think you're still very young and that means you're still getting a lot of life lessons to choose from, girl.

Good, give us armor.
Do you already know that?

God's weapon gear. I highly recommend it to you.

Despite his armor, there is also pain and sadness, I definitely can't ignore that. I can't make it more beautiful than it is.

But Oh what a difference to be able to live with His wisdom.
And what will life be more understanding and therefore easier?.

We shouldn't waste our valuable time too much.
You've been wrestling for weeks now.

I am proud of you.
I often meet you at Yoors with all kinds of assignments and challenges, and I feel like you share a part of yourself from time to time.
Vulnerable but strong!

Keep it up.

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Gollo

2 years ago

This is what my sister says that actions speak louder than words, which it is better to show with deeds, because words destroy.

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ppoli61

2 years ago

There is a scale of values and importance that starts from thoughts, is expressed through words and ends with actions. Thoughts, even the most wicked, remain thoughts and do no harm, they are not sins. Words hurt and mark even for life, but in the end, actions are what count.

fanny

2 years ago

Of course actions say more than a word, but the word hurts, hurts is something that happens and the way they say the word and how they act .

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rosarr

2 years ago

Words are more powerful than we can imagine, although making mistakes is human and often we tend to say words that become hurtful, we can offer a sincere apology and try to remedy the damage caused, since the brain can't stand games and believes everything they tell it.

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Toto Animo

2 years ago

Words can be very hurtful. But if someone says something hurtful to you, you'd better try to understand the background and ask why your friend says such a thing. While her actions still show that she cares about you.

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Rudy Siedlecki 🌳

2 years ago

By not saying what the hurtful statement was, it is difficult to form an accurate picture. But it would probably have been better to express your frustration right away. That would have been clearer to your friend and then he could correct or clarify his statement.

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Dewaputra

2 years ago

Indeed, words can be very hurtful, or at least very hurtful. The question here is, of course, whether those words were premeditated to be hurtful, or whether they were unintentionally hurtful. It usually turns out to be the latter after all. But it's always... Show moreIndeed, words can be very hurtful, or at least very hurtful. The question here is, of course, whether those words were premeditated to be hurtful, or whether they were unintentionally hurtful. It usually turns out to be the latter after all. But it's always good to talk about it and show that you're feeling hurt. In a good relationship, such a thing should always be possible.

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Madeleine

2 years ago

Sad and educational. Still, I have more trouble with actions than words. If someone says something to you, you may still be able to understand it and you may still be able to talk about it together. Of course, I understand that it is confronting and painful... Show moreSad and educational. Still, I have more trouble with actions than words. If someone says something to you, you may still be able to understand it and you may still be able to talk about it together. Of course, I understand that it is confronting and painful at that moment. If someone says absolutely nothing to you but still does an act that causes you to be ignored, you'll never know why and they'll leave you in the dark. That's going to gnaw at you, speak from experience.

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words, But Words Have The Power To Destroy

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