The Power of Words

“A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it…” (James 3:3-6 MSG)

Words can be like bricks. You can use it to build someone up, or you can throw it at them and hurt them. Words or any form of expression—writing, music, speech, art, even our body language—can have a significant impact on those around us. This power can be used for good or evil.

We have some friends who are gun collectors. They have a large arsenal of guns and ammunition stored in their home. They use it mostly for hunting, but also for protection. These friends are responsible gun owners. They keep everything locked up and have taken the necessary training to use the guns properly.

I’ve never even held a gun. Even if I got a gun, I wouldn’t know how to use it properly. I would most likely shoot myself in the foot. Even though I don’t have any guns or ammunition, I do have a huge arsenal of words at my disposal. Often, I forget to be responsible and discriminating in my use of words—dispensing them without considering how they will affect others.

I need to learn how to use words judiciously, considerately, and productively--to aim carefully, understanding the power and responsibility behind every form of expression.