Reflection
In this age of instant communication, do we ever stop and consider the power of words? We speak to one another every day either verbally or electronically. Our words can encourage, inspire and uplift. They can also discourage, depress and dishearten. Our words can wound or heal, cause rejoicing or tears. They can build self-confidence or break it down. Love expressed in words brings another joy. Words of disdain or dislike generate anger and humiliation. Our words can be used as weapons or shields. We can speak truth or falsehood. The possible reach of our words is endless. Communication in words is a human gift which should be used with care and with respect.
Prayer
May I speak the truth in love.
Action
Examine the effect that words have had on your life. Review the integrity of your own speech. Eliminate words that demean or insult from your vocabulary.
Suggested Reading
These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor; render the truth and pronounce the judgment or verdict that makes for peace in [the courts at] your gates.
Zechariah 8: 16
The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the fool pours out folly.
Proverbs 15: 2
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
John F. Kennedy
Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.
Yehuda Berg
People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.
John C. Maxwell
We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far
Swami Vivekananda
Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.
Napoleon Hill
Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.
Buddha
Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.
Ambrose Bierce
By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach.
Winston Churchill