Language, according to Webster, is the organized system of speech used by human beings as a means of communication among themselves. I recently began paying more attention to how people communicated with each other. I observed two definite kinds of response. Each response was very dependent upon the language communicated. There were positive responses as well as negative. Unfortunately, of the two, I have heard more of the latter.
The every day common language, used as I believe it is meant to be used, fulfills its purpose; which is communication, education, and edification. It is always nice to speak when spoken to, to give a compliment, to respond to a compliment with “Thank you”, or just to speak kindly to ones fellowman. Someone may say this is simply good manners; however, the greater part of good manners must be communicated through language. If one inadvertently stepped on someone’s toe, though it may hurt, the injured person responds differently when one quickly says “I’m sorry” opposed to when nothing is said at all. We know quite naturally that the pain does not decrease, but the person is gratified, (through your form of language), knowing that it was not intentional.
The American writer, Dale Carnegie purports “ There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it." Interestingly, I have had the privilege of being surrounded by persons that used words and phrases so gracefully; I could listen to them at length – putting them in a class of their own.
Words can be used to encourage and uplift people. When one has been told, “one can do it”, or “one can make it”, one will try just a little harder. On the other hand, people can use language that discourage others by communicating little words or comments that weaken their faith in their abilities. Whether we realize it or not, there is a calming affect when one is spoken to in a pleasant manner. Whenever someone is stressed out, sometimes all it takes is a kind word from a brother or sister. If one happen to be on the verge of a rather heated discussion that could get out of hand, it simply takes just one soft word to turn it completely around. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.”
Though the English language is enriched by words and/or phrases for specific areas of expertise, it is also debilitated by certain words and/or phrases when used in the wrong context. Those very words can weaken a strong person particularly, if heard often! Life and death are in the power of the tongue. If one speaks words to put someone down, it affects the listener. Consider children that have been told throughout their childhood that they would never amount to anything, or never go anywhere. Statistics prove that these are people who are not living up to their potential. More than likely, they are people of low esteem and have accepted the words spoken to them in the past.
Matthew 12:34b says, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” Could it be that there is a deficiency of good in the heart? I believe that many people lash out words of hurt and destruction, because of the hurt that is within. Some people do not like themselves; consequently, they do not like others. It becomes evident through their form of language. Would one prefer to lift someone with ones words or cause someone to become weak? The Choice Is Yours To Make!
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