I hear it so frequently, and every time I hear it, my spine shudders. I don’t have that many pet peeves, but this is one, and the reason is because I don’t think people realize the ramifications.
“My husband calls me crazy.”
“I’m just crazy.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Crazy.”
“Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.”
Please don’t use that word. I detest that word.
Our words have power. Our words have the power to speak life or death over others or over ourselves. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21).
Calling you or another individual crazy is speaking death. It’s murder with the tongue and I can’t tolerate it any more than I could tolerate physical murder. We are told to use our words to bless, not curse.
“And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:10)
The definition of crazy is: mentally deranged; demented; insane.
The origin of that word meant “unsound mind.” And yet we are told in 2 Timothy 1:7, that God has given us power, love, and a sound mind, so why would we speak an “unsound mind” over ourselves or others?
We are told in the word to speak life and to think on good things:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).
The enemy of our soul wants us to believe untruths about ourselves. Why would we allow a thief to come into our home to steal, kill, and destroy? We wouldn’t. So why do we allow him access to our minds, our hearts, and our words? He’s crazy.
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How many times I have made this mistake of speaking words that are harmful to me. I need to speak words of life. Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life. Love you my friend, thanks for the reminder. Great post. Blessings Diana
When one considers the meaning of the word, “crazy” – The definition of crazy is: mentally deranged; demented; insane.
Perhaps we use it much too often and most inappropriately. Thank you for the reminder to watch our words.
Oh wow – I really needed to read this because I have so loosely used this word about myself and others a lot. I’ve meant it in a funny sassy haphazard kind of way though but I see the wisdom in not using that word based on the scripture you’ve shared. Thank you!
Thanks for this kind and well-stated rebuke. Our words do carry weight.
Crazy, such a loaded word. I believe we have to educate others on the word. I remember being in the airport in line after just leaving my daughter at a Psychiatric hospital. Two ladies in front of me were talking so loudly using the work to describe someone with odd behavior. I could barely hold back the tears. They had no compassion nor understanding for the person they were talking about just plain and simple ignorance. I probably once long age was that same person.
This ties right in with the sermon I listened to on Sunday all about our words having power. I can’t say I ever refer to a person or myself as crazy but to-do list or such I might but I’ll rethink as it is such a joy-sucking word. Thanks, Mich x
Guilty! I must do better with the words that come out of my mouth about myself. Thank you for this.
Shedding new light on a word that gets tossed around so easily. Thank you for the reminder to watch my words closer! Have a lovely day!
Thank you for this very convicting piece of wisdom, MIchelle. I will be more mindful. Thankful for you!
Hi there, my dear friend. You are such an encourager. We say things we don’t mean and then think an “I’m sorry.” fixes it like some redo button. But the truth is – damage done. In some cases only the Lord can repair the hearts and minds of those verbally abused. Verbal abuse is real – a bruised soul hurts to high heaven (pardon the pun). You’re a treasure and I’m happy to know. you. Blessings, your Chris
I am reminded of a time I was working with another Christian girl, and I made a mistake with my work. I blurted out, ‘I must be stupid to do a thing like that.” She corrected me at once, and told me to never say that or anything else negative about yourself. You are very smart and certainly not dumb or stupid. Thank you for your beautiful words that remind us to watch the words of our mouth – – and for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Convicted…I just did this today, oh I did not call anyone crazy but I cast a bad light on someone by my words. Thanks you Lord for this post…thank you