In this week's parsha Chukas, we read about the episode of Moshe Rabbeinu hitting the rock. Although we don't understand the lofty spiritual level of Moshe and what was the exact error, the simple understanding is that Hashem told Moshe to speak to the rock and it would spew forth water for the Jewish People to drink. Instead of speaking to the rock Moshe took his staff and hit the rock to cause it to spew forth water. Because of this "mistake" Moshe was told by G-d that he didn't sanctify G-d's Name and would not be allowed to enter the Land of Israel.

The Chasam Sofer explains that Hashem wanted to show the people the power of words and speech. He wanted the people to realize that through mere words a great miracle could occur and to fully appreciate the power that their words carry. Instead of doing this though, Moshe hit the rock. This showed the people that words are not enough and action is needed in order to really have an impact. 

Many times we may convince ourselves that our words don't have any impact. We can say whatever we want as long as we don't actually act out what we are saying. We were always told "sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me". This might be nice to tell ourselves when someone uses their words against us, but G-d Forbid should we ever think that we can say what we want to others because it doesn't hurt. Beyond not hurting someone with our words the Zohar tells us that we will also be accountable for not using our words when we can to say positive and encouraging statements. How many times do we hold back saying a compliment or words of encouragement to someone? Even though we think highly of someone or appreciate what they have done or said many times we don't express it verbally. In most cases we think that our words don't make a difference but it is not true. The same way that negative words have power, so do positive words.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath