Knowing the Power of Words - Thoughts and Quotes

Written 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 lifelong 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

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 Nevill

Can’t you take a joke? Well now, that all depends. If we follow up a rude or insulting comment with the phrase “I was only joking” does it not count to the person we said it to? Does the sting of the words vanish, having no lasting effect? Are we therefore innocent, somehow not responsible for the rubbish spewing forth from our mouths? We may have the right to free speech, but speech is not entirely free. There are always consequences for what we say, whether or not we realize our impact.

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.”

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.It may not be easy all the time, or even some of the time, but it will, absolutely be worth the effort.