I really don't know what my take on it is. I think I need to believe they help in some way to avoid total despair. As you probably know, for me, that would be disasterous. But I do know what you mean, sometimes it seems they are of no help and have only lead to pain and distress. Perhaps a whack might sort them out!

In darkness look for stars, they're there somewhere :-)

As for words, they are just that, words. It's the sentiments behind them that speak volumes xx