Tuesday, May 12, 2009

RIGHT WORDS

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation." Many relationships break off because of wrong speech. When a couple is too close with each other, we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party. Here's a simple story to illustrate such a situation: A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site. A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted," Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school." On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, "Luckily you married me. Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker." She answered ,"You should appreciate that you married me. Otherwise, he will be the millionaire and not you." Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It will only yield endless arguments and hurt feelings. It's like a broken egg - cannot be reversed. In order to learn the proper application of right words, we must hold fast to the biblical principles in regards to it:
  • Proverbs 10:19, When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
  • Proverbs 12:18, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
  • Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
  • Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
  • Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Let us keep in mind that words cannot be taken back, even if desired to. Therefore, if you do not have anything good to say, stay quiet until you do. Furthermore, the best way to make sure that the words spoken are appropriate is to think hard and long before speaking. Rights words must be formed in order to build up people most of the time. It is by using constructive criticisms with an intention to promote the development and growth of the person involved. Words were designed to express the thoughts and intents of the person. Without it, there will never be relationships and ideas developed. Just think that dreams and visions need to be articulated by the right words to inspire people. Revolutions and movements were started by charismatic leaders with eloquent speeches; and the rise and fall of a leader were determined by its great rhetoric during rallies. Many more have been indirectly and directly affected by words spoken. But most importantly, belief systems like Christianity were started by the words of Jesus when He spoke of the Kingdom of God and His words were written by many to provide timeless education for our betterment in our relationship with God and others.

As much as speaking the right words reverberates across history, speaking the wrong words has the same effect with an opposite consequence that has plunge the world into wars and destruction. Thus, one can choose the right or wrong words to say to receive a right or wrong response and a right or wrong action. Here's an important reminder: control your tongue and never be controlled by it! Failure to do so will always bring unnecessary troubles. Guaranteed!

What I have shared to you in this article are words that I want to contribute to your success with your very important other and others in your life including your boss, children, teachers, government employees, police officers, pastors and priests to name a few. We all know how saying the right words deliver favors and blessing but the wrong words have the opposite outcome.

Now that I have given you some things to think about, make a firm decision to use the right words wisely to benefit others primarily and to secure some for yourself in the process. You will like what you will hear from people in response to your right words. Do not forget the biblical saying, 'what you sow is what you reap." Speak great things and expect great things; speak bad things and they will come as fast as they can!

Let's talk again!