The Power of Words

Aristotle once said (actually what he said was not something new – we thought about it before. We just don’t know how to explain it in words. Thanks Totle!): “The use of rational speech is more distinctive of a human being than the use of his limbs… a man can confer the greatest benefits by a right use of these, and inflict the greatest of injuries by using them wrongly.” (Aristotle’s Rhetoric 1.1, Page 1355) Great benefit or great injury may results from our speech. That’s why the Scriptures in the epistle of James warn against the misuse of this very significant gift:

"Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:2-10NLT)

Consider the image James use for the tongue. The tongue is like a tiny, mini spark that can set a great forest on fire. It is uncontrollable and “it is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” Uncontrolled tongue utter words of annoying, insulting, demeaning, or simply – useless!

On the other hand, if you make your words count and able to control it with the Holy Spirit’s discipline helps, it is very beneficial for our own soul and for others too. It is able to bless and praise. The tongue not directly refers to human physical part but rather of human speech; if it use wisely can makes poetry out of life, gives language of music and gives dialogue to love. It can be use to encourage, inspire, comfort, and challenge (positively) others.  What a gift when utilized for good! Proverbs chapter 20 verse 15 affirm, “Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.” Yes, this is the power of words!

“The words of the godly are life-giving fountain.” (Proverbs 10:11)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

“The words of the godly are like sterling silver.” (Proverbs 10:20)