The power of words
“THE POWER OF WORDS”
“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25)
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” ( Isa 40:8)
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:35-37). From Christ, we see that the words we speak will determined our ultimate success or failure.
In April 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. When we heard this over the news it was a shock! It was just hard for most of us to believe that another assassination had taken place. At that time in my life I was starting to become aware of the seemingly hopeless condition of the world and of all of humanity. Most will remember that it was less than five years before that President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in the streets of Dallas. Then it was just a few months, in June of 1968, just after Dr. King had been murdered, that Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles. When these things were happening, some of the hard questions needed to be asked. Why was there hatred and so much evil in the world and what is the answer to it? Was there any hope for humanity at all?
When studying the word of God, we begin to learn some of the answers to these disturbing questions. First of all we learned that the Bible truly is God's word and that God's word is truth. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Peter says pretty much the same thing. ”But the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1: 25). Proverbs records, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Pro.25:11). It can be a very rewarding experience for the speaker, as well as the hearer, when the right words are spoken at the right time.
When we look at history we find that many of our founding fathers and also many of the great speakers in history, apparently understood the power of words.
Today we live in the greatest nation on the earth. With all the problems that we have, it's still a blessing to live in the United States. All of us share a very privileged heritage. The freedoms and choice that we enjoy today, were created by men that chose such words that motived man to take the necessary action to bring about the condition that we still enjoy today. One of the leading figures in building the United States, of course, was Benjamin Franklin, and he was involved in creating the Declaration of Independence and he was also involved in the Constitution of the United States. But when he and several others assembled the Declaration of Independence, they based it on two principals: 1) government exists for the benefit of the people and not for the benefit of their rulers; and 2) all men are created equal.
Reading these very famous words, words that we are all very familiar with, were used to create the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today we still enjoy the benefits of these very powerful words.
There is another example of the power of words that was spoken by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. During World War II, because of his leadership and because of the power of his words - Winston Churchill will always be remembered as one of the world's greatest statesman in world history.
During World War II, Great Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany. Churchill inspired the British people to refuse to give in and he was able to do this in despite of the tremendous odds that were against them. Because of Churchill's faith and his faith in victory, he was able to rally the British people to make a courageous stand. In fact, it was such a courageous stand that, no doubt, it will never be forgotten. These are his famous and very inspiring words: “The Battle of Britain is about to begin. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned upon us. Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire, and its Commonwealth, last for a thousand years, men will say this was their finest hour.” Before the Germans could invade Britain across the English Channel, they had to defeat the Royal Air Force. So in July 1940 the German Luftwaffa began their air assault on Britain and on London. The British Air Force were greatly outnumbered, but they made a very courageous stand. In fact, they made such a great stand that they were able to defeat the German Luftwaffa. After the Battle of Britain was over, again, Churchill spoke these word to a very grateful nation. He says: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Because of his leadership and the power of his words, the British people were successful and they were able to stop Hitler and they crushed his delusion that the Nazi war machine was invincible.
These two examples are positive examples of the power of words. These were words that were able to move people, that had power to do good and to overcome evil.
But it is also true that words have the power to devastate. Words have the power to destroy just as surely and just as swiftly. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). There is an old saying that “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, this is just another lie that has been forced upon humanity because that is simply not a true fact. Words that are spoken in ignorance, or words that are spoken in anger, are very powerful. They always do great damage and sometimes its hard to believe, but words have the power to kill.
Relating a news story about an incident that happened in Los Angeles in November 1976. It is a true story about a 13 year old student named John. John was not the head of his class in school, but he was not stupid. In fact, he was intelligent enough to have a bright future. One day in school he was asked a question by his teacher and he gave her a wrong answer. Now why the teacher did what she did, we will never know, but she was not pleased with him at all and she berated him, she humiliated him, she told him that he was dumb and that he would probably never be able to learn anything. This was a very harsh rebuke and she did it in front of all of his classmates. He was devastated by this rebuke and was unable to cope with the rejection. So he went home that day at noon. He loaded his dad's rifle and he shot himself. The next day the newspaper said that John had died of a gunshot wound. That was only partly true because the catalyst that started it and what really killed him, was the destructive force of cruel and mean words.
In January, 2005, was an hour long documentary on Television, titled “Bullied To Death.” It was about children in school that have to endure bullies and people that reject them. The program was hosted by Bill Curtis. It was very interesting, but it was also very eye opening and very disturbing the things that some of these children are going through. During the documentary they covered several incidents, one was about a 15 year old boy, an overweight teenager, from Pearl, Mississippi. He had been suffering abuse from his mother and his classmates at school. What he did first - he killed the family dog. This was a sign that he was in some kind of trouble, something was wrong and for whatever the reason, that incident seemed to go unnoticed and no one seemed to take any interest or do anything about it. He continued to receive verbal abuse both by his mother and by his classmates. Early one morning, he just couldn't take it anymore, and what he did was to get up and go to his mother's room where she was still in her bed. He put a pillow over her head and stabbed her with a knife. He murdered her. Later that morning he went to school carrying a loaded gun and shot and killed two of his classmates. He said, what triggered this, was being excluded a lot by his classmates, especially by the ones who considered themselves the elite. He said most of his classmates looked down upon him like he was a loser. He felt cut off and had no place to go. The results of this verbal abuse, cruel words and meanspirited treatment, his life was ruined and several people dead. Words do have an effect. Destructive words always hurt and when they say “words will never hurt me,” it's simply not true.
In his book, “Power of Words,” Mr. Dyme brought out that there was a big difference between criticism and constructive correction. He mentioned that correction, when you use constructive correction, the person being corrected knows that you are trying to help him. But harsh criticism is something altogether different. It's usually just an act of finding fault and when that is done, it's always very destructive. It causes fear of judgment of others and the people that are being abused, they see criticism as a mortal threat.
Jesus, cautions us about criticism and being too judgmental. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me remove the speck out of your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye” (Matt.7:1-5). So we want to be very careful about harsh judgment.
There is another danger of harsh and destructive words. That danger is in the way that we communicate with ourselves, because when we communicate with ourselves in a negative way, it can be just as destructive as the words spoken by others. Negative self talk is one of the most destructive habits in the world. Most people who suffer from severe depression, most nearly always communicate with themselves in a destructive way.
Some people are addicted to negative thinking. They have practiced this habit for so long that they become a slave to it. Negative self talk is nothing but distorted thinking. It always distorts the truth and it can destroy one's peace of mind and it always leads to depression. The fruits of destructive thoughts will always bring a miserable life and for many, it has brought about their own death.
Mr. Dyme, in his book points out that 1 out of 7 people that suffer from severe depression, give up and take their own lives. He said that the statistics show that about 40,000 people each year in the United States commit suicide because of this problem.
The Bible shows us that there was a time that all but eight people were destroyed because of man's evil thoughts. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them” (Genesis 6:5-7). “And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died. So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive” (Gen 7:21-23). So here we see the result of the evil force of hateful thoughts and destructive words.
God says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”(Proverbs 23:7). The Apostle Paul was inspired to tells us what we should think on. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things” (Phil.4:8). God's word reveals we are to dwell on the positive. If we persistently think positive thoughts and use positive words, it can give us the power to overcome and control the influence of negative thinking and destructive words.
“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth” (Psalms 33:4-6). Verse 9: “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” The word of God tells us that “it is impossible for Him to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). So if it is impossible for God to lie and we do know that all the words of Christ are true. According to John, “For the law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). These are the words of Jesus, “Sanctify them, by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John17:17). Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Then in John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
While Jesus was on earth, He spoke life-giving words. “`It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, `Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.' From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, `Do you also want to go away?' Then Simon Peter answered Him, `Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life'” (John 6:63-68). Christ spoke words of eternal life. While Christ was on earth He spoke words of healing, of compassion and forgiveness. Christ said, “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56).
When reading of the woman taken in adultery, Christ stopped them from stoning her. When they had all left and she was standing alone, He asked her where were all of her accusers? She said, “No one, Lord.” Christ said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” He did not condemn her, nor did He pardon Her sin. He spoke words of grace and forgiveness, but He also spoke words of truth when He told her to sin no more” (John 8:1-11).
In the book of Matthew, Jesus was inspired to speak on faith. “`Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you'” (Matt. 17:20). Christ taught His disciples that faith, even the size of a mustard seed, can add great power to their words. But we want to remember that a small amount of faith has a lot of power, but it also must be exercised in doing God's will and not out of some personal whim. With enough faith, Christ tells us that our words have the power to move mountains and that nothing would be impossible. But without faith, the disciples learned that it is vain to rely on the help of man.
On the day of Pentecost, all the disciples received the Holy Spirit just as Christ had promised. But on the night that Christ was arrested, most of these men had deserted Him. These were frightened men. They were fearful and they ran for their lives. Even Peter, out of fear for his life, that same night, denied Christ three times.
After receiving the Holy Spirit, these once frightened men were transformed into men of courage and conviction. Peter, who had feared to knowing Christ, now boldly spoke in the name of Christ. “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words” (Acts 2:14). Peter is no longer a timid and indecisive follower of Christ because he now speaks very powerfully and he speaks in the name of Christ. Read that entire chapter and you will read a very powerful sermon that he preached on the day of Pentecost. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:40-41). Here we see the evidence the power of Peter's words.
Again we see the power of Peters words. “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily in the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, Look at us. So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:1-8). Peter spoke in the name of Christ and his words now carried the power of healing. No doubt, this was a mighty miracle, known to everyone. They couldn't deny it even though Peter made it plain that it was done, not by his power, but by the power of God. Nevertheless it was a miracle that all of them witnessed.
When the High Priest and the religious leaders heard of this, they arrested Peter and John. After they questioned them they threatened them and told them that they should not speak or teach in the name of Jesus. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it” (Acts 4:13-16). The religious leaders would have liked to have brushed Peter and John aside because they look upon them as uneducated and ignorant fishermen. It must have been embarrassing for them because there standing among them was the man they had healed. They found the power behind Peter's words were real. The religious leaders had to admit that a miracle had really happened and they had to admit they couldn't deny it.
The words that we speak truly are very powerful. They are powerful both to ourselves and to others. Words have the power to inspire and have the power to do great good, but words have the power to hurt and to destroy and even kill. We have read with enough faith, words can even move mountains So it's very easy to fall into the habit of using negative and destructive words and we should be careful not to be too critical and too judgmental of others. Christ says that to do this is the broad and easy way and He warns us that it leads to destruction. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 ).
We can see that the words we speak have the power of good or evil, we should be very cautious and careful to be selective of the words that we choose to speak. The wise will choose words that will empower himself and that empower others. If anyone persists in using words foolishly, or using them carelessly, it is a certainty that he will leave a path of chaos and destruction wherever he goes.
James D. Carlisle