Value of Words

A word of encouragement does wonders! (Proverbs 12:25) LB.

A recent study stated that men say close to 20,000 words a day and women come close to 30,000 words a day. With all these words being thrown together, obviously it’s a good bet some words were used in the wrong way. 

Friends, all around us are people ready with a quick one liner to shoot out, often hidden in the name of humor, to put down another for what they believe and stand for. We also get put down for the way we look, act, and for our faith. I believe people are intimidated by that which they do not understand so they make it the other person’s problem and say hurtful things to cover their feelings of inadequacy. There is no question that words are used to inflict pain, confusion and isolation when said in the heat of the moment during disagreements.

Words are also used in the wrong way when purposely meant to mislead others. I’ve known people in my lifetime that could twist and decorate a sentence with words so flowery or sugarcoated, the real message was completely obscured and the listener walked away happy and excited about a message that was riddled with bad news. I’m sure you’ve seen that as well.

On the flip side, loving words can melt a heart, mend an argument, and encourage the brokenhearted. We all need to hear words of affirmation and appreciation. The ‘stock value’ of these words continues to climb as it builds on relationships. I’ve heard it said by ‘experts’ that it takes twelve compliments to make up for every one insult or put down. Twelve! And that is just with one person wounded by words used the wrong way. What are the chances the offender stuck around long enough to issue twelve compliments in an effort to correct his/her words?

Scripture tells us the tongue has the power of life and death. Off that tongue rolls thousands of words a day. I’m sure somewhere someone has calculated the percentages of hurtful negative words to positive uplifting words spoken by an individual in a day’s time. There is always the ‘exception’ to the rule but my guess is more people stack up deficit words used the wrong way faster than those of priceless value.  

 
We really need to be encouragers. Just a few steps out of your way to say something nice to someone at work or in the grocery store, or to write a long time friend a letter to tell them how much your friendship means to you, will definitely be worth its weight in gold. As Christians, we aspire to grow more like Christ. Our words can be a better gauge than the stock market of the value we put on people and relationships and, consequently, serve as a spiritual growth chart. Choose your words carefully, they can enrich your life by adding value or bankrupt your relationships.