Words. They’re just made out of letters, right?
Well …sure, the alphabet plays a large role in the formation of words, but it’s the meaning behind that string of letters which holds so much potential.
Words are a powerful thing. They have the honor of brightening someone’s day or the daunting task of ruining someone’s future. Whoever came up with the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” clearly never experienced the backlash of a heated argument. Even if the harsh words were something deeply regretted, the recipient can feel the sting for days, months, or years.
Even THE Word discusses the power that words has on someone. The book of Proverbs is full of verses detailing the consequences of a kind or harsh word. Just to name a few:
Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 18:20 “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.”
Proverbs 25:18 “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”
Since being hit with an ax is pretty painful (what can I say, I’ve experienced being lied to: it hurts!), let’s opt out of going all lumberjack with our words and use these powerful pieces of grammar to lift each other up.
- Leave a note on the mirror for a loved one.
- Send a hand-written card to an old friend.
- Say hello to every stranger you meet today.
- Text someone a reason why you’re glad they’re in your life.
- Apologize, even if it’s long overdue.
- Tag someone in a meaningful social media post to let them know you thought of them.
Starting today, let’s make this place a better world and make someone’s day. It’s as simple as using your words.
