Being somewhat of a word guy, I listen intently to the words being used when others are speaking. Because of this, I have become increasingly more aware of the “weight of words” and the affect those words can have.
This is important because the words we use, whether written or spoken, are being interpreted by the reader or the hearer. This is where we can lift someone’s spirit to incredible heights or bring their hearts crashing to the deepest, darkest depths.
Even if it was not our intentions, our words can carry this kind of weight.
I am sure you can remember a time when words have caused you anger, pain or confusion. Perhaps it was a parent, a sibling, a spouse, a boss, a co-worker or friend. Regardless, those memories have stayed with you because of the weight those words carried.
Communication is an art, and some are better at it than others. If we are going to improve our ability to communicate, we must weigh our words carefully. This requires us to think before we speak. We can do this by asking ourselves how we would receive what we are about to say. If we believe we would not receive it well, we should not say it.
Today more than ever, we must be aware of the words we use. We must realize there is a possibility our words may not adequately express our intended thoughts.
The “weight of words” is real, and that weight can be heavy and burdensome. But when used with kindness and gentleness, our words can lift the burden another may be carrying and bring light into the darkest moments of their life.
The choice is always ours. So, we must ask ourselves, which words will we choose and pray the weight of our words will always bring life to the hearer!
Proverbs 16:24, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
