On hurtful intent

I read something today that said 'never accept a message, however true, if it comes from a place of malicious intent'. I couldn't agree more. Anything born out of hard feelings, insecurity, jealousy, or hate even (it is such a strong word, I never like to use it), that is directed towards you with the intent to hurt you is a damaging message, for everyone involved. It breeds hurt. At some point, one has to be the one to end it, but is silence the answer? I have never liked that idea either; to stay silent if someone strikes you with a painful word, sentence, or action. I am starting to learn that silence is sometimes the only answer you can give someone with a bitter heart. Their aching, or hating heart may be there to stay. If it is firm as such, perhaps the only hope for change is a gentle response; a touch, a soft, but penetrating look, words like 'I am sad that is the way you feel'...