The power of words

Cary Friedman in his superb book “Wisdom from the Batcave” brings up a fascinating idea in chapter 9 of his book.  He writes, “When a person of few words actually does decide to speak, his words are considered much more seriously.”

Obviously, Friedman’s case study is Batman.  The Caped Crusader is definitely not chatty and talkative, thus when he does finally speak, his words have more force.  You know people like this, don’t you?  I know I do.  Those people who are usually quiet, so whenever they do finally speak, your ears perk up.  It’s an interesting thing to contemplate.

Let me issue an important disclaimer: I’m not in any way whatsoever implying that people who talk a lot are inferior to those who are quieter.  I know that some people are more talkative than others, and this is not a bad thing in and of itself.  This whole issue comes down to a person’s innate personality.  Don’t ever be ashamed of who you are.  Don’t put on a show and try to be someone that you aren’t.  If you are talkative, be who you are; if you are the strong, silent type, be who you are.

Having said all this, it’s important to evaluate the words that we speak.  As Friedman notes in this same chapter, “Words can never be retrieved.”  Whatever your personality, the Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  The Bible says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit the hearer” (Ephesians 4:29).  The words we speak can either edify or they can devalue.  Are your words life or death?  Are they wholesome or unwholesome?  Words are so incredibly powerful.

Kevin