RE: Statement in Chapter 13, page 135 of SQ2. (under heading Why are words important?)
God’s Son is called “The Word.” If God puts great importance upon “words,” how we see them, how we use them and “The Word” he sent to us, they must have great value. As individuals, if we don’t value them then how can we expect others to value our words and what we are trying to communicate?
Dear Tom,
As a teacher, global traveller and business communicator, you know the value of words. Using the proper word and the right sound for that point in the conversation is of vital importance. It can mean the difference between a smooth flow of conversation and one that is on edge and tense because of the mental image the other person “sees” creates value differences. Communication is of great importance in all that we do.
I guess that if I have a pet peeve it is anyone who is sloppy with dialogue or word usage. Thoughtless words have caused much chaos, even wars. God gave us a brain and a tongue to use with wisdom.
Each of us is responsible for what comes out of our mouths. That requires thoughtfulness before we speak, not after. Personally, I have been guilty of reacting to what I hear instead of taking a deep breath and think about what I say. How many times I have wished I could take back ill-chosen words spoken in haste. It is an area in which I continually try to improve. James said it best in Chapter 3, verse 5, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” (NIV)
It is through these words in James that God tells us how important words are. His Words started creation! How great are the words of our Magnificent God! James continues on in verse 17 to put the icing on the cake. He states “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” How great is the challenge that Our Lord sets before us. He summons us to make every effort to communicate effectively.
God used his word energy to start His beautiful act of creation, including us! How much more should we emulate the proper use of our word energy? Every word we utter should be examined carefully because we do not know what destructive fires might be started by just uttering some thoughtless and foolish response. As believers, God holds us to a higher standard. We should always be on guard about what we say. We are to build up His church, not destroy it! Words can create far more than what we may understand.
Tom, am I crazy? Am I the only one that sees the magnitude of ill-spoken words? It seems that our world of today gives little thought to the words they use and the energy that they generate. Is it our words that will finally bring about the destruction of this world? Is that what John is telling us in Revelation?
I have so many questions about all of this and so little time to really understand it. How many of our problems today are the result of ill-chosen words and thoughtless retorts? Maybe Solomon’s words in the book of proverbs are our answer. In Chapter 2, verse 6, he says “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” We must rely upon Him for every thing we say.
Enough said, JR Ltr13.ch13.091611
