The Power and Potential of Words

David and Kristin were attending a marriage seminar.  During the session on communication the instructor declared, “It’s essential that husband and wives know the things that are important to each other.  He then addressed the husband and asked, “Do you know your wife’s favorite flower?”  David  leaned over, gently touched his wife’s arm and confidently whispered,     “Pillsbury.  It’s all purpose, isn’t it?”

Well, words have meaning. And understanding the words we both hear and speak are essential to effective communication.  It is assumed that women talk more than men, but, a study of 396 participants showed that both men and women spoke approximately 16,000 words a day.

A New York Times article, December 9, 2009, referenced a University of California report than the average American consumes 43GB of content and 100,000 words a day.  That doesn’t mean we read all of those words, but that in a single 24 hour period 100,000 words cross our eyes and ears.  The information comes through a variety of media–TV, movies, the Web, video games, texting, recorded music and print media.

So, I know ThePreachersWord is in great competition for your daily consumption of words!  And I appreciate the wonderful way we have been received during our first month.  Our goal is to share “delightful words and to write words of truth correctly” (Eccl 12:9).  I don’t take for granted this opportunity and responsibility.  I know that words have great power and potential.

Consider these words from the wise man:

“A good word aptly spoke is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11)

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Prov. 18:21)

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov. 12:18).

God’s Word is affirmed to be “alive and powerful” (Heb 4:12).  The Psalmist said that reading the Word of God can revive us, guide us and sustain us (119:154, 133, 116).  Jesus is identified as the incarnate Word (John 1:1-14)  And it is the Word that can save our souls (Jas 1:21).

I write all of these words to say this–Words are really important!  Words have great potential. The right words have tremendous power.  And not just the Word of God.  Or even ThePreachersWord.  But your words.

Solomon was right when he wrote, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word! (Prov 15:23) Think about the impact of your words today.

You can speak a loving word to your spouse.  An encouraging word to your children.  A hopeful word to a disheartened friend.  A thankful word to someone who serves you. A soft word to an angry person. A kind word to a fellow Christian.  A forgiving word to someone who has wrong you. A friendly word to a stranger. A cordial word to a co-worker. And a cheerful word to all that we chance to meet.

Thanks for reading these 508 words.  I sure hope they helped to make your day a little better and for those you meet a little brighter.