When it comes to the power of words, rhetoric abounds. No matter your religion, cultural upbringing, social status, or educational background, it’s hard to ignore the power of the spoken word
If you are Buddist, you may be familiar with this quote: “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or evil.” Buddha
Mother Theresa said this: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are endless.”
Educator and author Laurence J. Peter said: “Speak when you are angry–and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”
Pindar, a Greek Poet said: “Words have a longer life than deeds”.
There is a Chinese Proverb that states: Kind words can warm for three winters, while harsh words can chill even in the heat of summer.”
Comedian Eric Idle is quoted as saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will make me go in a corner and cry by myself for hours.”
The Bible has many verses regarding the power of words, such as: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 And “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
I have developed a stronger respect for the power of words lately, due to some self analysis. I was trying to figure out why I have been feeling great. I’m sure that my new healthy living plan has an impact, but I’m convinced that my heightened mood has been strongly influenced by the words that I have been hearing daily from my wife. We set some expectations when we got married in 1994 about how we were going to talk to each other. We haven’t always followed our own guidelines, and those times are our worst moments as a couple.
However, lately it has been different.
I hear things like “I’m proud of you.” “I’m glad we’re married”. “You’re a great husband/father/friend/lover/supporter.” She tells me that she’s happy I get up and go to work every day, and that she loves the way I care about my friends and family. I’m pretty good at handing out compliments and being appreciative of the little things, but if I am good at this, Shelli is great!
I told her last week that I’ve felt like Superman lately because of the words that I’m hearing her say. I think she has been speaking them for awhile now… Perhaps I’m listening better.
Give it a shot this moment, day or week. Remind your spouse, significant other, family members or friends how much you care about them and tell them why. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24
Love,
Jason
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January 26th, 2009 at 11:20 am
you are such a great guy all around JASON.
thought id leave you some positive words today. great article
January 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hear hear Jason! Thanks for the reminder. I will purpose today to speak more life into my family. (it’s hardest for me with my family. I’m plenty encouraging with others!)
Oh, by the way, I’m proud of you.
Blessings to you
January 26th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Needed to hear this today Jason. My wife smashed 6 fingers in the garage door last week. She’s been in a lot of pain obviously and not sleeping well. Her biggest frustration is feeling useless, my biggest frustration is doing extra daddy duties with few thanks (not that I can blame her). Yet really, you’re right on. I’m beat right now, but kind words from her are always better than a “jolt” or pepsi sugared up. Reminding ourselves of this is probably just what she needs too, because she can help by just sharing some extra kind words, which puts the joy back in helping out and probably dulls the pain in her fingers just a bit. Thanks Jason!
January 26th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
good stuff man.
peace|dewde
January 26th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Wow Jason,
Thank you, for once again warming my heart and not being afraid to share your story to bless others!
Blessings,
Callie
January 26th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Who ever turned down an atta boy? It’s ineresting reading your autobiography that you didn’t write! I read a book a while back called the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. They are quality time, words of affirmation, physcial touch, giving gifts and acts of service. This book is highly recommended especially to read with your spouse. It is true that words can be a building block in a marriage as well as the wedge that can divide. Imagine if you’re like me and your main love language is words of affirmation and you don’t receive that at home… Thankfully I have a wife that understands me often better than I do myself.
As usual brother, great article and so simple to do…
January 26th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Great post – and very timely with Superman Returns being on FX last night! It’s crazy how my mood is quite dependant on how my wife is speaking to me that day. Makes me wonder how my words have made or broken days for her.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Jason – excellent article filled with many great “words”. The power of God’s word surpasses that of Superman!
I enjoy you posts!
In His grip,
David
January 28th, 2009 at 3:04 am
Thanks, I needed to hear what you had to say.
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 am
Great advice…that I got too late this week. I was a real pill today. I have no idea why. Just everything was rubbing me the wrong way. Snapped at Suzanne a couple times and just knew that I should have kept my mouth shut. Words are powerful, and I need to be mindful of that. Thoughts that I express when I’m agitated may seem trivial to me, but they sting those around me.
thanks for the gentle reminder. next time I’m in a funk…rather than writing an article in TCM, you should call me and just tell me to shut the up.
Proverbs 17:27-28
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
June 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Great post Jason. And quite true. Words can be quite powerful, especially when actions back them up.