by Ashley Vinti
When we use the right words we don’t need as many.
Countless times, I witnessed words be both masterfully manipulated and maliciously misused. I have stumbled over words, I have struggled with words, and I have hurt from words; but, I have also been awed by the eloquence they can be expressed with and enlightened by the truth they can carry.
Because I am an English teacher, I always set an expectation for myself that I have to speak eloquently- or else. Just recently, I wanted to say a few encouraging words at a family function. The amount of obsessing that went into a 42 second “speech” was nothing shy of excessive. When I want to make an impact with my words, I have to think over them first. I’m not an on the fly kind of girl. I either rehearse, memorize, or need notes. Those who can stand and deliver without the aid of the aforementioned absolutely amaze me, so whenever I have to speak publicly, I try to remember that less is best.
With words, less is indeed often more, but only if the fewer words are truth inspired and life giving. If the words we use are carefully measured up to the word we are given in and through Christ, they they intrinsically breathe life into those who hear them, see them, or read them.
Praise God that He gives us a clear call concerning the purpose behind the words that we use: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
-Ephesians 4:29
Praise God that He gives us a parameter for the volume of words that we use: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
-Proverbs 10:19
Praise God that He gives us eternity through the word that is He:“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
-John 1:1
While I don’t suggest everyone obsess over the order of words to the extent that I do, I pray we do first carefully contemplate and meditate over The Word before using “our” words.
Lord,
Enlighten our hearts to think over the why behind our words and let them glorify you. Transform our hearts to Christ’s so that what flows fourth from us gives life, truth, and hope to others. Enliven us to be doers of Your words, and conservative with the expression of our own.
