Bad Stuff:

Last night the classic Pretty Woman was on ITV2. Now for many girls this is the greatest film ever! (so I'm told) and since I hadn't seen the film all the way through before I decided I should. (I'm going to get slated for watching this aren't I?)

The film was quite entertaining. Both the main actors played their parts very well and played the fairy tail plot. There is also a sub plot: The high flying business man Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) is very similar to the prostitute Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts) as they both "Screw people for money". As the film goes on Edward is changed by Vivian and in the end there is a happy ending. This is a rubbish summary of the film so please look on the net for a better description of the plot if you want, try here or here.

There are a few lines in the film which I really liked:

Edward: I've never treated you like a prostitute.

[He walks away.]

Vivian: You just did.

In this scene Edward cuts Vivian deep in just one sentences. This got me thinking of tongues and their damage. Proverbs has got loads to say on the subject and I thought this one was particularly true:

Proverbs 27:15 "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day"

ooops wrong verse :P! (Sorry guys, couldnt resist) The real verse is:

Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword......"
(New International Version)

As I look at my own life I can see how the "Reckless Words" of others has "pierce[d me] like a sword" and also how my words have cut people down. This is especially true when it concerns people who look up to others. I do realise the irony of me putting that verse above in but I think it is an example. So often we say things we don't mean for fun. I hope in this case it has not caused anyone offence. The verse goes on to say:

".....But the tongue of the wise brings healing".

Being nice to people can bring them such joy! I try to do this by noticing peoples appearance, their actions or just making it clear your glad to see them. Through god I think I've become a lot better though for me there is much improvement to be made!!!! Another line in the film gave me an new angle on that though. This line is taken just after someone has a had a go at Vivian because of her job, she is feeling very hurt:

Vivian Ward: People put you down enough, you start to believe it.

Edward Lewis: I think you are a very bright, very special woman.

Vivian Ward: The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?

I have an amazingly cute dog though the over use of certain words causes him to not respond to them anymore. I wonder if the reason "the bad stuff is easier to believe" could be due to out over use of compliments. This causing them to mean very little? It says in Proverbs 26:28:

"A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

(New International Version)

Where does one draws the line between nice/flattery? Or when does trying to cheer someone up become a lie? So many of us say things we don't mean. I find myself so challenged not to over do it. A friend said of mine has said to me she often thinks I'm "Just saying that to make her feel better". Which, I guess, in a way, I am. Though as I speak much/all of what I say is true. Maybe I just so use to being "nice" that I don't notice my lies anymore?

Scotland is almost proud of a negative attitude, both to ourselfs and to others. If we as a society changed the way we speak so that we don't put others down yet alot didn't lie with our compliments then maybe people would be more ready to believe words of kindness? And then the "healing" could begin?

And I wondering (Isn't there a verse where Moses or someone says if a man applied all the proverbs he would be the wisest man ever?)