WORDS are Powerful

I've had a "thing" for words for as long as I can remember, and always been a good speller. Grammar, spelling, synonyms, antonyms-I love it all.

I'm convinced it's genetic. My mom is the same way. So is my daughter.

3 generations of super spellers right there!

My mom likes to call to tell me about a misspelling or grammar mistake on a news broadcast. She refers to herself as the Grammar Nazi.

My daughter? PRECIPITATION was one of the words on her very first spelling test EVER. She nailed it. She's nailed every single spelling test she's taken. O.k, she's only 7, but you get my point.

Words are powerful. There is no denying that. So, that stupid "sticks and stones" limerick nearly sends me into convulsions every time it's repeated to comfort someone being harassed.

Again, words are powerful and it's MEANT to be that way. It's biblical truth. I mean come on, God SPOKE the world into existence!! 

 My whole point is to encourage people to become more conscientious about the words they speak. Don't just talk to fill dead air. 
Don't just spew out every single feeling and thought you have out of uncontrolled emotion! 

If you're gonna speak, make it count. 

I recently read a relevant quote that said,

"when you speak, make sure it's an improvement over silence."

AMEN!

I know a few people for whom this would be appropriate :)

Growing up....um, more like when I turned into an evil teenager that would say stupid and insensitive things, my dad would ALWAYS tell me to "THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK."

 

I heard a super cool acronym on the radio yesterday about teaching people to become more conscientious, selective, and sensitive about what they say. It was based on the wisdom my dad shared with me. Before you speak, T.H.I.N.K., and decide if it's worthy of being spoken using the following criteria:

T-is it TRUTHFUL?

H-is it HELPFUL?

I-is it INSPIRING?

N-is it NECESSARY?

K-is it KIND?

If the answer is no to any of these, hold your tongue. Until it bleeds if necessary. If what you are going to say does not meet these criteria, you will be as a clanging cymbal-annoying.
(1 Corinthians 13:1) 

I can't say it enough-WORDS are powerful, and being the lover of words and grammar that I am, it's only natural that some of my favorite scriptures are about words.

In the Bible, it's written,

The power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs18:21)

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking, the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Proverbs 15:28)

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (Proverbs 17:28)

In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! (James 3:10)

There are so many wonderful cautionary bits of wisdom about the words we speak in the Bible. I love it!

I'll leave you with what the Master has said,

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Tell me, what is your favorite quote or bit of wisdom about words and what we speak??!