How to prove to someone that "sticks and stones" is not true

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Someone in my synagogue thinks that the "sticks and stones break your bones words don't do anything" is true. How do I show him that words could harm people also?

Give them a copy of "Mein Kampf".

It's only a book ... full of words ...

Or you could just call him a cocksucking fa***t, and a ret*d, to his face. When he gets upset, and indignant, just tell him "its just words", and "sticks, and stones...".

Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can break your heart, tear you apart and potentially kill you.

While all you say might be true, I believe the "sticks and stones" idea could add courage for people.

Because words literally do not break bones. Sometimes, we allow the words to affect our health, thereby hurting US.

If somebody insults me, I almost always believe that I am not the actual cause for these people insulting me. It's almost always something going on with THEM. I take most insults with a grain of salt. And I try to not let them affect my life.

Show him stories about verbal and psychological abuse and how it affects victims. Also show him stories about narcissistic abuse. The gas lighting they do, the put downs.

This might only be true if someone calls you a name or makes a negative comment and it's only that one time. Not all the time. If you hear it over and over, it becomes true.

Sticks and stones will break your bones. Words will live forever.

I would rather be hit than verbally assaulted.

i'd rather be cussed out than beat on. words are just so much noise. but fists hurt.

That is a fantastic response!

Alternatively, you could just let this "person in your synagogue" be welcome to their opinion, and go on living your life. You don't have to accept the challenge that this person poses. Sometimes "let it go" is the path of wisdom.

Next time somebody says that, just hit em with a book.

I like what baby bird has said about words breaking your heart. There is a lot in general in the Book of Proverbs about the powerful effects of speech, but you might want to hunt or one that is specific to the situation you were discussing. I would think the most effective thing might be to suggest you both go together to talk with the Rabbi about this - or to ask the Rabbi his answer so that you can share it with this person.