Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
In fact, words can literally shape the material world. The words we speak not only reflect, but shape our thoughts, and our thoughts shape the physical structure of our brains.
The religious and philosophical writer Tulushkin stressed before: "If you can't go for 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you have lost control of your tongue!" Joseph Telushkin lectured on the awesome power of words.
He suggested taking a revealing "tongue test" to see where you stand. "Monitor your conversation for two days, "he said. "Note every time you say something negative about someone, who is not present. Also record, when others do so, as well as your reactions when it happens. Do you try to silence the speaker, or do you ask for more details?" Telushkin concludes, "Most of us who take this test are unpleasantly surprised." Now, guess why... .
I found a good description in Proverbs 6:16-19, relate to the causes and effects of damaging words: "Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet those are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies (!), and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers!"
But also written words can damage. I described it as "aggression's hotbed" in one of my old columns. Many times, it's painful to read columns or editorials, where the writer doesn't care for self-discipline, responsibility, inquisitiveness and respect. We all know how journalists can mentally shape public opinion, character, life, community and the way things go.
The power of words, written as well as spoken out, is a weapon, which can hurt - or kill! Writing with a wicked pen and having a sharp tongue doesn't mean that journalists should walk disrespectfully through life. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, even with a picked pen or sharp tongue.
Matthew 12:34 says, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."
Proverbs 10:19 says, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 15:4 tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
"The Place to begin dealing with our words is inside our thoughts about others and us. If we accompany that with a commitment to stop speaking harmful words. We've begun a dramatic mid-course correction in life", another religion writer, Dave McCasland said.
Careless words can really inflict wounds that last a lifetime. Kind words can bring healing and encouragement. Everything we say has the power to hurt or to heal. Let's accept that great challenge and let's think first, before we open our mouth or before we start writing.
Words shape our lives because words have power. Their meaning establishes intuitions that frame our attitudes, navigate our character, and eventually, establish our world. Their power emerges from our sentimental responses when we read, enunciate, or listen to them.
