The Power of Words
This post was spawned by an argument.
Ah yes what a great way to start. True, everyone argues, but it's difficult to actually say that. Everyone may know that everyone argues at some point in their life, but for some unknown reason, we like to conceal that fact and try to remain untouched by judgement. This admittance in itself was difficult, but I felt I should write it.
Through this argument, I felt the power of words, and how much they can affect a person.
Words can send people into a morbid, depressed state.
They can make a person so happy, they can't stop smiling.
They can inspire, deteiriorate, build, and make you feel good. Words can rob you, or make you rich.
These are all reasons to choose our words carefully.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
Why is it so difficult for us to use our tongues wisely? We get angry and spew, we get sad and lash out, we fail and we blame.
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. -James 3:5
There is a time and place for everything, and sometimes things need to be destroyed, but they should be destroyed justly, not out of selfishness or anger. No-one is perfect. We are human. We make mistakes. We hurt. We love. We try. We fail and succeed.
What powers our words?
Other than our tongues and voice boxes obviously.
Emotions and thoughts.
e·mo·tion
əˈmōSH(ə)n/
noun
a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
The problem comes when we don't use thoughts before speaking. When we toss our conscience to the side because we need to win.
“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. -Ephesians 4:26-31
Often times when angered, we use things that we know get to the other person. Things that they previously trusted us with, only for us to turn around and abuse that trust. But hey, it got them didn't it? Shamefully, I am guilty of this. Saying something like that only to regret it as it comes out of your mouth. I have also been on the recieving side, and it is crushing to know that you entrusted such details to someone for them to abuse them. To know that they want to tear you apart in that moment is more than anything, saddening. Trust is tedious and tender. Easy to break, hard to put back together.
Emotions can fuel our brains, and our bodies. Both of which react accordingly. A sad person may cry or shut down. A happy person may dance and laugh.
In no way am I saying it's easy to not only hold our tongues, but our minds, capitve. It's hard. It can almost be painful, but it's right.
I say things that I probably shouldn't pretty frequently, and I'm trying to put my thoughts before my words. I want to be trustworthy, kind, happy, and caring. I want to be bold, strong, and wise.
It's not about not speaking. It's about choosing wisely what to speak. To think about the power of our words and their ability to make someone laugh, or their ability to make someone cry. To combine emotion, thoughts, and conscience.
Just a few of my random thoughts! Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
-youngwildfree