Words are powerful
S. Bill Jimenez
14 April 2009
Power of Words
WORDS. Words. Words. Words are powerful. They can do much good or cause much harm. Most of us, if not all, are guilty at one time or another in the improper use of words. Our gnawing remorse could not undo or “unsay” our careless remarks. But, it’s never too late to learn and improve our communication skills. Recognition of the problem and the difficulty is the first step in this direction.
In the proper use of words, let’s go back to the Bible for some wisdom and insight. The book of Proverbs counsels us: “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (16:23-24). “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (25:11).
Jesus taught: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). Paul writes, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). James reminds us, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water” (James 3:9-12).
Other great minds likewise give us a better perspective in the use of words. Aristotle has well said, “It is not enough to know what to say; it is necessary to know how to say it.” Sigmund Freud wisely said, “Words have a magical power. They can bring either the greatest happiness or deepest despair.” Rudyard Kipling tersely remarked, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” And Edward Lee Thorndike said, “Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure.”
Words are used to communicate for as long as we have ears to listen with, tongue to use in speaking and eyes that can read. We cannot overemphasize the value of positive and inspiring words in both oral and written communication. Because of this great fact, words are effectively used in management, human relations, diplomacy, politics, religion, etc.
Obviously, the ability to make good use of language through positive and inspiring words is the mark of an intelligent, understanding and effective person. A pleasant word is the oil of the squeaking wheels of communication which forestalls misunderstanding. Jesus was the master in the use of words. On the way to Calvary he was cursed, ridiculed, insulted, spit upon and yet at the cross Jesus uttered the most powerful words that reverberate through eternity: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
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