Knowing the Power of Words - Thoughts and Quotes
92Written or spoken, words are continuously propelling us through life. They lift us up, drag us down, wound us deeply or heal our hearts. Words have the power to break confidences, build life long alliances or start wars.
Words can make or break us, both as individuals and as a society. What have you been saying lately? The words you speak can have a profound effect on the people they reach. Are you encouraging or discouraging? Are you building up your children, your spouse, your friend or even the stranger you pass on the street? Or are you tearing down your own family with words of criticism, bitterness and judgment? Are you causing the destruction of your self-esteem by speaking ill suited words over yourself, your health and prosperity? Words have set whole nations in motion…Give me the right word and the right accent and I will move the world. Joseph Conrad
God, Horses and the Human Tongue
In the Bible, James compares the human tongue to a horse. We have mastered controlling this tremendous, spirited animal with a small piece of metal, yet we are far from controlling the words that fall from our lips.
If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to harness the whole body...Indeed we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn (or control) their whole body. James 3:2-3
Why then, do we find it so difficult to refrain from saying words we know will only harm? Controlling what we say, though, how hard do we really try? Is it simply a form of self discipline that we are lacking? We seek to control every single aspect of our lives. Self-control? Nah, what fun is that?
Surely it is easier to harness the power of a wild horse than to reign in your tongue. It does seem to take on a life of its own bursting out of control at times when emotions are elevated. Whether we are quickly placing our foot in our mouth or cutting down another driver in rush hour traffic, it is a problem most of us (unless you live in isolation) combat daily.
“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. “ Dorothy NevillMaya Angelou on the Power of Words
I Was Only Joking!
This hub is part of a game called Hub Tennis, a Gamergirl production. Join the game, read the hubs, and learn something new!
Aragorn's Speech at the Black Gate from The Lord of the Rings
As a parent, I am always aware of how my words will shape my children’s lives in various ways. If they hear me being critical and judgmental of someone, they will learn to criticize and judge. If I apologize when I am wrong, they will learn to apologize with sincerity. If I speak to the without courtesy and respect, they will do the same to each other and the world at large. I know this because I have seen it. If I yell at them (as opposed to handling a crisis calmly), within five minutes they will be hammering each other with the same lovely words they heard from mommy.
I don’t recall having a problem restraining myself before having children. As a mom of three, I hear myself saying all of the things I swore I would never say. I tell them lies (Santa, the tooth fairy, winning doesn’t matter ) and sometimes I hear the most absurd, words coming from my mouth, such as “get your finger out of your sisters ear right now” or “dog food isn’t for children.”Choose With Care
Now, I understand that not everyone has the same constant challenge with this that I have. Being with my children 24/7 allows me little time to think or breath before I speak. I recognize that my tongue needs to be trained to handle the ups and downs of daily mothering with integrity.
But it is not. Not really. These are the words that I depend on daily."God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Cor. 9:8 (NIV)And the following words are those that inspire me. They represent the qualities I strive to achieve as a mother with my words and my actions. “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, it rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:4Words can inspire us to greatness; they enable us to share our deepest feelings with one another. Words can change us as individuals. When used with care, they can change the world around us.Choose to use your words to encourage and uplift. Choose them with wisdom and love.More on Words
- How To Snool a Snivelard, Snollygoster or Snoutband
Snooling is not so hard. Anyone can to do it with a bit of practice, but I don’t recommend it. To snool someone, nag them constantly, driving them into a deep depression. This skill would be fun to try... - Inspirational, Uplifting Quotes and Words of Wisdom Gaia ...
- Home- Power of Words
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Wonderful, Amy Jane! I really love this. Some good things to ponder. The videos are superb, as well.
Amy
I am reminded of the quote by Cervantes, "The pen is more powerful than the sword."
While it is true that we must be careful about the words we write and say, an even more damanging use of words is the words we use in our thoughts. The words we say to ourselves can be uplifting or damaging.
I highly recommend the book by Florence Shinn.
Amy,
Great hub truly we cherish words here. Sometimes
we would much rather see a good sermon than hear
one. I appreciate your words and may the kindness
and care with which they were chosen touch each one
right at the heart.
In reading your words, I found myself remembering the younger me, the one who could find no inner defense against the cruel words of others. A snotty comment from a girl "friend" about my hair or skin or clothes would tear my heart, silence my tongue, and send me into hiding. We've all had such words turned our way from time to time, haven't we? Perhaps about different aspects of ourselves, but nonetheless with debilitating consequences.
Hurtful words, whether they are spoken to one person, to a race, to a class, or to a nation, are designed to "push buttons", that is, to elicit emotional reactions, and therefore to control. Some people are accomplished at this kind of control, and deliberate about its use.
Years ago, through a great deal of personal work, I finally learned how to recognize when my own buttons are being pushed. With that realization came the eventual understanding that the person doing the pushing is in a far sadder place than I. And this understanding now allows me to speak and act in positive ways instead of reacting negatively, or worse, hiding.
Class A-1 hub once again, Amy!
Oh how weary and rough the well traveled road of the tongue...
I've been on the user side and the receiver side of angry words. One of my favorite hymns as a child was "Angry Words, O Let Them Never! (from the tongue, unbridled slip....") -again the reference to "horse" - I despise arguing. It never leaves anyone feeling better, though understanding sometimes ensues.
Absolutely Terrific HUB. I will read often. Thank you!
And Sally, you are so right that the one spuing hurtful comments is far worse off than the receiver, and still the pain is there.
We have to work on the healing...much easier to just not say the words. Impossible to take them back, once out.
Thank you for all the comments! Peter and Steph, you are tough acts to follow (even when you are writing about noodles and shoes).
John, I absolutely agree- are thoughts needed to be examined as well. Negative thinking can be so destructive to the mind, and ultimately the body. Hmm...maybe another hub topic? Thank you for the suggestion.
Thank you for the kind words, Daniel - and I do hope I wasn't too preachy - that's not really my way! :)
Amy Jane! Fantastic hub. Words are very powerful weapon or ally for sure.
regards Zsuzsy
Sally, thank you for adding your experience and insights. I think you are right, we have all suffered at some point from cruel words. Finding the inner defense, as you said, does help us to understand and forgive.
Marisue, I despise arguing too. I know it can be productive, but then it really is more of a conversation anyway. Thank you for commenting :)
Thanks so much, Zsuzsy! You always have a kind word for friends here :)
Mom always taught, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." My mother is seldom wrong. Great Hub as always Amy. I feel that "words" was a very hard topic and you have chosen well.
Hi Amy,
A very intersting topic. I wonder if that's where the term came from that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink even with nice words.
Ben Torres
Thanks Doghouse! I say that same thing to my oldest daughter often, as my grandmother used to say it too. Moms are always right :)
Hi Ben, interesting comment! Good point :) I guess that's what horse whispering is all about...
I love the photo of the stones and also the frst paragraph - food for thought!
Amy Jane love the topic as much as the hub!
So true of the power in words, and like John said the words we speak to ourselves play apart as well. In fact, that may be the root as to how you view yourself as well as the world. If you cannot refrain from making comments to or about yourself. How then do you expect to give that courtsey to the rest of the world.
We must learn to harness ourselves and master how we treat our own temples before we can honor and respect everyone else.
Awesome!
What a great take on this topic amy jane. Love it!
I think this is a powerful lesson to teach our children. Having worked with teenagers for several years, I got to see first hand the damage that words can do. On the other hand though, children who are taught the power of words as well as goodness of heart can make a huge impact on others in need. It would be nice to see more kids like that. Excellent hub!!
An inspired take on the topic, Amy Jane!
Language is indeed incredibly powerful, which is why we have such elements in myth as the casting of spells by saying words, and even in our own dominant cultural myth - "In the beginning, there was The Word ..."
Well done, indeed. Applause and thumbs up!
Jenny
It's not the words you use, it's the tone you use them in. As my mum always used to say.
Tone, pitch and body language ALL come into play when dealing with such frail entities - relationships. You say "I love you", they will be with you. You say "I hate you", they will leave you. Simple words, mean nothing, how can one express "love" through just words. That is why you need to comprehend everything when dealing with fragile moments, sometimes might happen once in your life. So always think ahead, I say.
Though me being 16, I have alot to learn and still being moulded and being educated by society, everyday and loving it by the way, Loving it!
So many great comments! Thanks everyone, for sharing your thoughts.
There is so much that can be discussed regarding words. I absolutely agree that the words you say to and about yourself, both out loud and in your mind have an impact of the course of your life. And, like Jenny said, a creative power in the world, as is seen in spiritual traditions throughout the world. And it all starts in the mind, whether good or bad.
And of course, countenance plays a large role. You can say kind words to someone, but the way you say it, if you are not truly sincere will reveal your true feelings (especially to a perceptive listener).
You couldn't be spreading a more powerful message, thank you.
Thsi is really very very good, amy jane. I hope 1000s of people come here to read this Hub of yours.
The proverb about 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me' is TOTALLY wrong. I would rather by punched than assailed with obscenity or hateful words.
I look forward to more of your Hubs.
This hub came at a perfect time for me! The past few days I have taken a firm stand with a friend or ours, that words and how we communicate, either opens or closes the mind and heart- but the friend believes tough love and bouldering with words even the gentlest of souls is the way, and he is backing away from the friendship. Hard to explain here, but as I said this is article is timely and perfect. Thank you!
Nice Quotes and great thought. Surely I should learn to tie up my tongue. Had been hurting people by words lately.
Amy - I am very challenged by the standard you, Steph and Peter have set (I'm further down the Hub tennis list).
This is a great piece of writing. Full of wisdom - but very different to Noodles and Shoes in terms of content. Well done!
Thank you all for the wonderdul comments and encouraging words. Patty, i agree completely! Sticks and stones is one of those lies we tell our children too - an effort to make them feel better, but is completely off.
VioletSun, i have had friends like this as well, and I have come to realize that they have done far more damage in my life than good. When someone uses the line "Can I be honest? or Can I speak freely?" I am learning to duck, or leave or answer NO! It is often just an excuse to say what should be left unsaid. Love isn't tough. Love is gentle! Thank you for the comment and I wish you all the best in dealing with your friend :)
senfunn, thank you for reading. Love the profile pic (a favorite in our house)!
Rik, blame Steph, she started it! Just kidding :) I felt pretty well challenged myself by their hubs. I hope you get a topic you can work with - noodles would have been a big mess for me! This is a very different type of hub for me, and I am thrilled that people are enjoying it.
Pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty good.
--My impression of Larry David--
Thanks DJ :)
WOW! What could I possibly say that everyone else hasn't? Well nothing I guess. I really enjoyed reading this hub. Sometimes I feel as though I am the only one in my group of friends that understands the value of words written or spoken. Like you I too am always aware of the words that come out of my mouth when my daughter is around. I am actually doing my final project (essay) on language, so I found what you wrote only that much more interesting.
Thank you, b opinionated! I am often shocked by what people will say in front of, or to, their children. I have had several people roll their eyes at me for asking them not to continue in front of my girls. Thank you for reading and commenting, I am glad you found this useful! :)
You have said it much better than I
Your words are very smooth.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Mr Marmalade :)
Great job Amy
that's why I always think the words before I talk because I believe that our tongue is the deadliest weapon.
I thought I read the best Hub the other day but I'll eat my words and say, this is the best so far, this week. Thanks Amy for your insight!
Thank you so much for the kind words Gabby and Minni's mom! That is quite a compliment :)
Excellent Hub, and well-said Amy. I preach this to my kids (and myself) all the time. We are what we think. And what we think eventually comes out of our mouths.
So true -thanks Hope!
Maybe this is why I prefer to write. I am in control of my words. I edit them until the meaning comes out clearly. Though if I am emotional, I can also write hurtful words and send them off with that temporary feeling of self-satisfaction so quickly replaced by regret. Thanks for reminding me that sticks and stones may break my bones but hurtful words remain long after those bones have mended.
A Tremendous Hub! Strange how words must be the result of thoughts.
No one knows what a thought is, as it is intangible, but my, the effect on others is clearly tangible!
For those religiously inclined, there as got to be a reason why Jesus is called 'The Word'. The way he spoke is THE standard, even when he spoke under the most amazing stressful conditions.
Amy Jane...unlike all the other commentators, your hub leaves me ...speechless. All I can add is the old maximum: "Speech is silver, but silence is golden" Amen, great hub.
Thank you so much Storytellersrus, Rob, and grousepup, for the wonderful and insightful comments. I really love to read everyone's point of view on this topic.:)
Amy,
Your post was honest, powerful, and very well thought out. It is refreshing to see something on the hottest hubs pages that isn't focused on making money on the internet, but getting in touch with what it means to be a human interacting with humans (something we can all forget about when we interact with computers, not face to face). Please keep writing your inspiring articles, and thanks for your words of wisdom.
Nacie C
very nice.....i am now humbled
Excellent hub and now hopefully I will remember to curb my tongue.
Donna
The words you speak not only have an effect on the people you speak them to, but also the person doing the speaking. It can harm or help the people on both sides of the workds. Great article, I enjoyed it.
Thank you Karen and Donna for reading and commenting! Funnebone, using your words to make people laugh is a special gift you have - that I really appreciate! Thank you for the encouragement, Nacie, I will try to keep it up.:)
I love this hub. Well written.
I am new here and have problem with posting, please help
Thank you, Sir Dent. :)
Intention is very important ~ your hub brings that to light - bravo! :o)
Thanks so much, Rainbow!
Thanks, this hub is beutiful
Thanks so much, Abubacker. :)
Indeed a very well done hub. The words we use in our daily lives have such a large impact, yet sometimes, we cannot fully understand the impact our words can have on others.
Again, a wonderful hub. Keep it up!
Thanks NateRider, it is true that we often don't recognize the impact our words have on those around us. We cannot know how someone is going to interpret what we say either. Makes things a bit tricky, I think! Thank you for reading and commenting. :)
Yes words are powerful! What words we say and how we say them can make or break a person, can encourage them or shatter their dreams. So true! Thanks Amy!
You are welcome, Julie! Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
Hi Amy Jane,
Positive Words and laughter have an amazing effect on our spirit and self esteem. For many of us I'm sure that we really don't think about the words we speak to our families in the form of criticism and judgment. Would we dare to speak to our friends in the same manner.... I doubt it.
Negative words spoken to others not only have an effect on them but also on ourselves for having spoken them.
It's very true what LanceHarris said about not just the words that have impact but the tone you use.
Proverbs sums it all up with these verses...
15.1 A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
15.4 Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.
15.23 What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion.
I'll be back to read more of your words of wisdom. Thank you.
Thank you for adding those proverbs, they are so true, GaidaR.
And I agree, we speak often to those closest to us in a way that would drive our friends away quickly. Respect often goes out the window. :) Definitely something more to be aware of. Thanks so much for the insightful comment. :)
Beautiful hub amy jane. Indeed if we are aware of just how powerful our words are ..that it can uplift or hurt another, we would be extra careful of what we say. May we learn to dispense words wisely. God bless :)
I was just re-reading...I think a person should have some kind of reminder they read about words, as they begin each day. Uplifting others is so important, and the extra benefit is you feel better too!!
Hi Michelle, thanks for adding your comment and welcome back! As a ripplemaker I am sure you have contemplated this topic often. :)
Glad you stopped in again, Marisue. I agree that we need the reminder each morning - I would need it before I got out of bed! I have seen some quotes and prayers that would help for an inspiring start in the morning - I will go find them and post them later today. :)
Yes, amy jane. This topic is very close to my heart. I have experienced being on the receiving end of some pretty tough and hurtful words as a child. And so I know its ill effects pretty well. And I vowed to myself to make a difference in the lives of the children under our care. Hmmm...I may have an idea to expand this topic. And I will surely link this one to mine. Thanks again. :)
Hi Amy Jane,
Enjoyed your article I gave it a 'Stumble' and was the first stumbler to 'discover' you....(my i.d. egold) Must remember to hold my tongue next time my teenager starts pushing my buttons! And knows which ones to push & push!
I'm sure I've read it somewhere... hurtful words we speak is why we were given one mouth & 2 eyes. Just imagine the havoc if it was the other way round.
Hi Michelle, I really hope that you do expand on this topic and I would love to link to it! I would love to read your perspective about the power of words and the effects on children. The way we speak to children really shapes who they become, and I think it is something that parents need to take very seriously.
Hi Gaida R, thank you so much for stumbling this hub! :) I really appreciate it. I wish you lots of luck with your teen - they sure know how to get you to say what you try to hold back. Although my kids are younger, my oldest really knows how to get to me already and she seems to think it is fun to see how far she can push me. I just keep trying to remind myself that I am the grown up and have tp keep my cool. :) It doesn't always work, of course...
Thanks again!
Wow, great topic to write on - well done Amy Jane! I'm also really impressed by so many of the comments contributed....I had a few thoughts to share, but they've already been expressed through Peter Lopez, Patty English, the last one from Gaida R (about 1 mouth and 2 eyes and ears - love the Proverbs verses she included too). I like Marisue, despise arguing (or debating) and agree w/ her comment about how engaging in it doesn't leave one feeling better.
Someone else also referenced something biblical about what's in the heart flows out the mouth.....sometimes we just need to check our emotions instead of being impulsive in our reactions. If we exercise self control (which as I believe you said, sometimes that's no fun, but is the wiser choice!) take time to analyze the situation or pray about it prior to responding, that's to everyone's benefit.
I love your use of scripture to illustrate your points as well. I'm going to have to consult the Lord and see what he reveals to me regarding the "taming the tongue" scripture in correlation to a bit in a horses mouth and the practice of Liberty.....thinking there has to be a relationship message which includes maturity, in connection w/ the freedom He provides us.
Blessings to you Amy Jane!
Hi Christine! i agree that the comments here are so interesting and really add to the overall understanding of the topic! I. like Marisue dislike arguing and comfrontation in general, because it only seems to fuel the fire of the emotions between two people. I always try to wait a little while and let my own emotions settle down. It is simply the idea of thinking before you speak, and not speaking straight from your emotios all the time. There are so many opportunities in life when we know what the right thing to say is, yet we say what we want to say, or feel like saying.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, and please feel free to share any further insights!
Hi Amy,
This hub brings to mind how I handle discussions with my children. They are both in their 30s, and will at times find themselves in situations that they are unsure of how to deal with, or sometimes, throw something out at me and ask my opinion. I've learned how to communicate my thoughts to them in a way that isn't judgemental or hurtful. Everyone responds differently to the spoken word, and I know my children well enough to know that an accusatory or hateful response would only elicit the same. My daughter and I tend to be sensitive, and my son on the other hand leans more toward silence or anger. Therefore, I take my time, edit what I'm thinking BEFORE speaking, then relay it to them. It works every time. It's the very rare occasion that I yell, curse, scream something at them. That behavior only serves to drive a wedge between you and the person you're trying to help. I've also made it a point to NOT pry into their thoughts, and have learned that this is good too, because 99% of the time, if there is a problem they need help with, they do come to me for advice, more readily than if I were to keep asking what's wrong? I've learned they will open up to me in their own time and in their own way.
Thanks for sharing,
Trish
Hi Trish, thanks so much for the insightful comment. As a parent, learning to think before I speak is a major goal, and one that is not always easily achieved. I am glad to hear that it has worked so well for you. I think this is probably the approach my own father has taken with me (and my siblings). He never questions us about our choices but he knows that if we have a problem we will consult him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. :)
Excellent hub :)
Thanks uninvited writer!
WoW! Perfect timing for me. I am currently reading the Four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. He does very well to encapsulate the role that words play in our lives. I learned from Him just how much words mean. I shall reference John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And then as you go back to Genesis where it all began we are told that the lord spoke "let there be light and there was day and night! I mean really words are power. To create, power to manifest, power to build up and power to tear down.
I appreciate this hub. I love Maya Angelou. I love that speech in brave heart! Very thoughtful and insightful hub!
Hi Patkagmak, thank you for adding your thoughts and words here! Every word we speak has lasting power and creative power. I wandered around for a long time not knowing this! I am glad you enjoyed this hub, thanks so much for reading! :)
Amy I only just discovered your work a day ago and I am becoming a fan. I love your insight and perspective on this piece.
Thanks aquariancore! I am so glad you are enjoying my hubs. I took a chance with this one, and truly did not expect it to be so well received! Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
Amy Jane,
I saw you posted, so of course I wanted to see what you had to say. I agree that words are very powerful.
Actually one of the more popular verses, often repeated, is WRONG!!!
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me.
Well, they may not break your bones, but are capable of cutting you up on the inside leaving everlasting scars....... or inspire you to go on and accomplish great things. Yes, Words are powerful. - David
Thanks David, for the encouraging words! :) I have hated that sticks and stones phrase since childhood! It makes a kid think that they are wrong for feeling pain from someone's words. It doesn't make anyone feel better. Thanks so much for reading and commenting! :)
Good hub! We all need to consider our words before they come out of our mouths.
When I have something importnant to say I go over it in my mind first. Planning how and what I am going to say. Keeping in mind who I am talking to and the subject at hand.
If I am upset, I wait. I calm down. Rushing and spurting off is to be held back. This takes time to learn but as a parent I have tried to instill it in my son. I always remember to say thank you and please.
Kind words go a long way. Think before you speak. Hatred and meaness brings you nothing but hatred! Kindess is repaid.
Hi Sandilyn, I agree, kindness comes back to you! Thank you for reading and leaving your insight into the topic. Pausing and thinking is the best route to take most of the time, but I think it takes a good amount of self control and it may be more difficult to achieve for some people. It is certainly a great goal to set for ourselves!
Amy, a absolutely wonderful site with encouraging words is MotivateUs.com ... It's free ... keep up the excellent HUBBING. - David
Thanks for the link David, and also thank you for mentioning this on your hub. Always appreciated! :)
Thank you, Amy Jane, for your hub on The Power of Words. Very thoughtful, well-written and well arranged. I will come back for more of your writings, for sure. Keep up the fine and informative writing. Helen Borel (aka Creativita) of http://hubpages.com/hub/PSYCH-NEW-YORK and http://hubpages.com/hub/Freelance-Ad-Writing
Hi Creativita,
You are welcome! I am so glad that you enjoyed this. Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
this is the firs time i visited your hub, and it was very informative, the power of words are really powerful it influences everything about having friends and having enemies.
thank you very much for the info, this is another lesson to me to really watch what i spit out of my mouth. i'm looking forward to reading your hubs, I WILL DEFINITELY BE COMING BACK FOR MORE .
have a NICE DAY
HI sk8the, thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed this! Learning to "watch your mouth" and all that comes out of it can be a huge undertaking. Understand the power of words to effect your life is the first step. I am still working on using my words for good every day. :) Thank you for reading and commenting.
Amy Jane eceryone else has already said what i would like to have said. Your words are an inspiration for the creation of more great hubs. The implicit words of caution are so wise and insightful and the implication that you should say what you like but stand by your words (I was only joking) are immeasurably good advice.
Great Hub
Thank you so much for the kind words! I am happy to hear that you were inspired by this hub. Thank you for adding your perspective. :)
Amidst our stressful lives, we sometimes cannot avoid ill words coming out of our mouths. I'll put this hub in mind so that my mouth will be on 'auto pilot' to say positive words or keep quiet instead of negative words. Thanks.
I try and sometimes I cringe when I hear what comes out of my mouth, it is an ongoing battle to curb my tongue all the time. some days I win the battle and somedays I don't.
Great hub.
jezzbb, I wish I could put my mouth on autopilot! Life brings some pretty big challenges sometimes and it can be a constant struggle to keep our words in check. I just keep one trying to do my best. Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
I think people forget just how much words can hurt someone. Especially the ones we love most. Thanks for reminding me to say something nice to someone I love today.
You are very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. We all need a reminder every now and then! Thanks for reading. :)
Beautiful hub Amy. I too had to tame my tongue when I started training kids. Now I conciously practice "restating thoughts" to present things in a more positive note.
Hi Dayzeebee, Aren't children amazing little mirrors? They can always help us see what we need to work on. I definitely think that training ourselves to use our words positively is worth every struggle! The rewards are tremendous. :)
The power of yourself
is just like a mouth
Dear Amy
You are so right about the words and how they can inluence people around us.
I love that you brought the verses from the Bible! I am a mom of two wonderful boys and the words we say to them can shape their future.
Thank you for doing it!
Tatyana Gann
You are very welcome, Tatyana. The power of words with children cannot be underestimated! They need genuine encouragement and loving words on a daily basis, in my opinion. Words really can shape their perception of themselves and the world around them.
It's interesting to be conscious of the power of our words. We are really products of the spoken word. Life and Death are in the power of the tongue! It's quite inspiring, thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, Andrew. Understanding the power of words is essential! Thanks for reading.
cool videos, great hub and the messgae is so true and clear . Words are powerful!!
Thanks Derek! They movie clips are two of my favorites. Maya Angelou always takes great care in choosing her words. I love to hear her speak. Thanks for reading!
Great hub! Words are definitely powerful. Your newest fan!
words are the powers!! great hub.
Thank you Raina and Epictruth! :)
Hi Amy Jane.
Lovely to see you back here.
Words are very pwoeful and we meed to exercise care when using them. The phrase i was only joking is almost as insulting as the insult it is meant to erase.
Thanks so much Eric, you are such a gentleman! :)
Hi Bob, I agree that "I was only joking" is an insult. Too many people don't realize that, or the harm they are doing by using it. Thanks for commenting. :)
Hi. I do agree with all I've read on this page and would like to add. When I listen to others speak there are times the words that are chosen remind me of the word accident. I have a problem with this word, I don't believe in its wide spread use and acceptanceand, then followed by I'm sorry. Words missused can hurt as much as a car crash at sixty miles on hours however, With one its much easier to see the damage incurred.
Thank you Custodian Joe. I agree with what you have said as well. Words can hurt so deeply that an apology cannot really makeup for them. Harsh words have the power to effect a persons decisions and feelings about themselves for a lifetime.
Hi Amy. Those are inspiring words you have written here. I'm giving you a thumbs up. I love your hub. Very inspirational. :) keep it up.
Hello Amy. You are so right. The words we use reveal the person we are. There are also inflections, attitudes, body language, that refine the meanings of words and their intent. The english language is full of nuance, and I get depressed with the rising loss of language and communication skills. Put together in a spiteful, hateful way, they can do irreparable harm. Put together in a caring way and they can lift our spirits. Thanks for the great hub! Cheers!
Hi Beth, thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
Hi Christoph, you're right - attitudes and body language speak as loud as our words. I also agree that it's sad to see communication skills getting worse rather than better. So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for adding your point of view. :)
Wow Amy you are so right the words we speck dictate the life's we lead,effective communication is the most important skill we as human beings can master.Thank you for a great hub.
"Words are,of course
the most powerful drug used by mankind" (Rudyard Kipling-1865-1936)
Kevin, I'm so glad you enjoyed this hub...thank you for adding your words here as well! :)
Amy - This is both insightful and beautifully written. I am so glad I ran across it today. It's such an interesting topic as words can tear a person to shreds or build them up to do great things. I try to be aware of the power of my words (and actions) each day - and I thank you for the reminder. I look forward to reading more of your hubs!
Thank you so much, BizzyMuse. It is such an important topic. Learning to use our words carefully can require a great deal of focus! So often I still "slip..." Thank you for reading!
Great hub! I'm an extrovert and many times (unfortunately) words come out of my mouth before I realize what I am saying. I'm aware of my mistakes (and God know I made many by mouth!) and I am working on cutting down negative comments and criticism. Your hub brought a new reminder and motivation to me.
Thank you Claudia! I'm a bit of an introvert and I often don't say what I need to say. Then it all builds up and starts exploding out of my mouth and I am left wondering what I just said! I work on this constantly, really. I'm so glad you enjoyed this hub - thanks for reading.
i totally hear you, words make a huge affect sometimes
Thanks roastedpinebark!
This is a wonderful hub, thanks very much!
Glad you liked it London Girl!
nice hub..
I believe that YOU are Great !
This page is beautifully done and stocked with much needed content. Thank you for sharing your powerful words.
Great work thanks foe mentionong Middle Earth it's a great place to visit,and the words have power.
Thank you all for the encouraging words! I'm so glad you enjoyed this hub. :)
Very expressive! The content is meaningful.
Thank you efa_09!
gr8 work
I enjoyed it so much! Very honest piece of writing.
Thank you k3black and Innovator! I'm so glad you enjoyed this hub. :)
Very well said, amy jane. I know you wrote it a long time ago but it is a topic & wisdom that is always relevant. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.
Thank you Ken. I wrote this a long time ago, but I still come back and read it myself sometimes, as a reminder of how I need to keep an careful watch over this mouth of mine. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Looks like you struck a nerve with this hub. It's so important, and one that I would do well to remember over and over again. Interestingly, I have been studying the book of James and have been challenged by his clear commands and vivid imagery. Thank you for writing this hub!
Great post. Wow!
What a powerful hub. I enjoyed every word and it makes so much sense.
I loved it so much the hub is now posted on my blog.
The link to my blog can be found on my profile page near the bottom.
Cheers
Dale
Thank you all so much! Dale, I'm flattered that you liked this hub enough to link to it from you blog. Many thanks! :)
This is great and you are so right it comes right down to choices .. choosing what words we wish to speak or write ... so guess that all starts witha brief thought first ... hummm what came first the thought or the word? lol
As a stay at home parent I too completely felt what you were saying in that section. Thank YOU for your honesty and wise words.
~Expect Miracles
it is true that power of words is realy works as a majicfull stick.i belivein this.and it is my belive that by using wonderful words we can solve any kind of problems.ajeet tomer.india.i am coming soon in front of world.
Thanks Shane, I'm glad you found this valuable. I think it starts with a thought too, although sometimes words seem to fly out of nowhere! It's still a challenge for me almost everyday - but I'm still trying.
Thanks ajeet, wonderful words do have power, I agree!
it is true that words can either make or break you.Most of the time i find some preachers using words that instill fear and even using cursing words to those who are unable to tithe.what happened to the grace of God for the poor.using words wrongly can destroy souls.
The saying from childhood, "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me," are SO VERY WRONG! Words are powerful to crush a soul, or lift a spirit. I agree that we need to use our words wisely to build each other up and encourage rather than tear down.
I was looking for this quote after Arizona. Thank you.
I'm Erwin Rodolfo the Philippine Immortal. I really believe in the power of Words. In fact I can destroy powerful storms of my spoken words. I can drive away powerful words of my words. I an stopped the heavy rains of my words. I can heal sickness of my words. That is the power of the spoken words. Kindly visit my profile at www.facebook.com ., my accounts are erwin_theimmortal3000@yahoo.com, erwin_theimmortal870@yahoo.com, erwin_theimmortal907@yahoo.com. Follow me in Twitter type immortalerwin. Thanks.
This is a great hub, I've known about the power of our words for years, and it's great to see other people speaking about it... Awesome!
Amy Jane, I was desperately looking for information on how edit my words before they come out of my mouth. I should KNOW better. I do know better as a teacher (great with kids!) minister (great with the hurting) but when it comes to my poor husband he just got blasted last night by words that do all the negative things in your article. Does anyone here have a strategy on editing words before they come out of your mouth? I think one thing is slowing down. How about it? Thanks!
good job i have really understood the meaning of saying right words on correct time thank you
This hub is absolutely amazing...Your choice of words would determine your choice and extent of your success in life...I realize that, Nothing that is being uttered that doesn't count, every words count whether positively or negative but since we want to make this world a better place then our strive should gear towards positive and heart-healing words and not heart-breaking words! Soft words turns away wrath, harsh words stirs up anger!
I'm a writer too...Please i need a motivational support! Thank You
With you all the way on this.
Check out my blog Words Have Power www.providingapath.blogspot.com
Peter M. Lopez 3 years ago
The power of life and death is in the tongue, to be sure.
Powerful words hub.