I’ve been thinking a lot about words. Written, spoken, sung, words have sunk ships, started wars, promoted peace, and sealed agreements. They are powerful and, used wrongly, they can do tremendous harm.
I think that, sometimes, it’s not what is said as much as how it’s said that causes problems. Remember the story of the captain and the first mate on board ship? The captain recorded in his log, “First mate drunk today.” That was true, but it was the first time this had happened and, despite the first mate pleading with the captain not to record it, the captain did. So, when the first mate was in charge of the log, he wrote, “Captain sober today.” That too, was true, as it was every day, but it sure sounded incriminating.
Scripture says, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4.)
It all comes down to three words which mean basically the same thing: wisdom, discretion, and prudence. I’ve heard it said that wisdom is knowing something is true; discretion is knowing whether or not to say it. I’d also add that they all mean simply using common sense. It seems to me that today, common sense is entirely too uncommon.
Will Rogers, an Oklahoman, I’m proud to say, was a master at getting a message across in a non-threatening way. Humor was his stock-in-trade. “Democrats,” Will said, “are the only reason to vote for Republicans.” Another that hit the nail on the head was, “The taxpayers are sending congressmen on expensive trips abroad. It might be worth it, except they keep coming back.”
True, our freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment. The government is not supposed to censor or punish us for having differing views than the political group in power. It is a great freedom that carries a great responsibility. Hearts have been broken, friendships severed, and families at swords’ points because of what was said or how it was said, or, sometimes, in the way it was heard. Sometimes, what we hear is not what was intended. Judicious hearing and interpretation are important too. And, over the whole thing lies the question: was what we said necessary? Was it spoken or written with a sincere respect for the differing opinions of others? Will saying or writing it cause further harm or healing?
Words: Death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21.)
“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” – Will Rogers
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Matthew 15:11
Well said, Blanche.
Mr. Rogers said some mighty insightful things. He and Wiley Post died far too young. He would be needed today. Thanks for writing, Kimberly.