One day, two frogs were hopping together to the river. On the way, they fell into a deep ditch. They tried to jump out of the dyke, but could not make it out. While trying, a group of many other frogs heard them croaking. They came and crowded around the pit. When they realized how deep it was, they told the two frogs to give up. However, the two frogs continued to jump as high as they could.
After several trials, the two frogs were tiring. They rested for a while before trying to jump off the ditch again. The other frogs outside the pit continued telling them to prepare for their death. Nonetheless, the two frogs ignored them and continued jumping again. While they were still jumping, the others increased their discouraging sentiments. They said the two frogs would never make it out.
“Your days have finally come, just give up and die.” One of the frogs said.
On hearing this, one of the frogs fell to death. He hit a hard rock inside the ditch and stopped breathing instantly. The remaining frog continued jumping while the others kept shouting at him, telling him to just surrender and die.
The more the frogs told him to give up, the higher the frog jumped. Finally, he catapulted himself out of the pit with a firm thrust.
When he got out, the other frogs asked him, “Why did you not listen to us?”
He said that he was deaf, and did not hear what they were saying. The other frogs used signs to tell him the truth. The frog was disappointed at them, but he was glad they made him jump higher. He thought they were cheering him the entire time.
Moral of the Story:
Words Can Build or Destroy
People’s words have a great impact on others. Before you say anything, think twice. Once a word comes out of your mouth, it cannot be reversed. Words can destroy or build a nation. Evaluate what you are going to say, and know the impact on other people’s lives. Sometimes it is necessary to just keep quiet.
Look at what happened to the frog who heard the words of other frogs. He was so discouraged that he lost the will to live. The frog fought hard, but his energy diminished when others told him that he could not make it out.
Use positive words even in difficult situations. Tell a sick person to stay strong. Do not say, “We have done our best, there is nothing else we can do.” Say, “We will get through this. We will find a way.” Do not tell a sick person that they are dying. Tell them that they are about to get healed. Speak words of hope, not words of doom.
Positive vibes can give someone strength; it can make them resilient spiritually and mentally. Check your words carefully. Reckless mouthing can kill, but words of wisdom can heal.
Listen to the wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” The bible reiterates in Proverbs 18:4 that “a person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
Therefore, speak to one another gently so that your lives will be full of joy. Do not break each other’s hearts with hard feelings and punitive words. Keep your tongue in check, otherwise your own words might trouble you.
How will you live when you know that your words crushed the spirits of another? Be forgiving to each other; be kind always; and speak words of wisdom at all times.
Do not listen to naysayers
Think about the story of the two frogs again. One of them listened to the crowd outside, and he crushed to death. The other did not hear what the throng was saying, and he survived.
Close your ears to negative lyrics. Do not let the words of others kill you. Associate yourself with people who encourage you and distant yourself from those who will daunt you. Keep good friends close and false friends away. A good friend will not see a negative thing in you. They will push you towards success rather than uttering words to dampen your spirits.
Do not worry about what other people say about you. We were all born differently. Every person has unique personality, interests and attitudes. Don’t try to be like others. You know yourself more than others know you. Let others advise you, but not drive you. Be the driver of your own bus. Be you. Know when to listen and when not to.
Avoid the pleasures and words of a mob. They are like a passing wind. Soon you will be left alone. It is your inner self that determines your strength in life. Other people’s words don’t matter if you choose not to listen. Push yourself high out of the ditch, whether they cheer you or jeer you. It is your life. Don’t listen to the naysayers.
