We were in the city today, so I’m very late posting this. Bob and I attended our monthly Christian writers get-together and one of the subjects we touched on was book reviews. How some reviewers go the extra mile to really slam a book. Which fits in with today’s Ragtag Daily Prompt: WORDS
Writers – especially poets – will deliberate for hours on which is the best word to describe what they want to convey. Thus was the thesaurus born.
The first thing that came to mind when I saw the prompt was that old BeeGees’ song, “It’s only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.” Words can win a heart, and words can break a heart.
words enlighten – and confuse
words conceal – and reveal
words compliment – and censure
words can inspire – and shatter
Concerned, you ask a family member or friend, “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay.”
“So-so.”
“I’m getting by.”
Evasive words. Avoiding the elephant in the room – because the elephant, if examined closely, may jab you with a painful tusk.
The Bible talks about words and speech. In Proverbs 31 Solomon describes a virtuous woman, one of her qualities being “in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
The same would be true of a good man: kindness is their guiding light. Even when repeating the truth, careful not to censure, ready to give the benefit of the doubt. Discreetly silent about things that need not be revealed. Not blind but not blabbing.
Some people rather make honesty their rule of life. “I don’t mince words. I tell it just like I see it. If you don’t like it, that’s your problem.” However, honesty tends to come mixed with the grit of opinion and feeling. Sorting the golden truth from all the sand is almost impossible for us mortals.
Jesus warns his hearers about name-calling. In Matthew 5:22 He tells the crowd, “…whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” A serious thought!
The Apostle Peter comes in on the up-side. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
To me that means, “Show respect to all people — even when critiquing their attitudes or behaviour.”
Christine's Collection 
“Words, I used to believe in words.” this quote is from St. Francis of Assisi. A servant of God through actions.
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Thanks for your thought. Unlike the quote, I still believe in words. 🙂
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I wonder about that brand of honesty. And words? Good grief. Such powerful little things.
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Honesty without consideration can be cruel — and sometimes is meant to bite. Thanks for commenting.
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Anyone who was ever in an English class of mine SHOULD remember my saying, “Words mean things. Use them carefully.”
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What’s that old saying? “Engage brain before putting mouth in gear.” But angry people usually want their words to wound.
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Words hold a lot of power. They best be wielded wisely.
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Very true! Though at times our feelings overrule our wisdom. 🙂
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This is true. And that’s when we can wound (or be wounded).
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What a moody state I’ve been in this month. It’s helpful that I found this to remind me the power wielded in words, even in thought.
Yeah, one must check oneself before attempting to check others.
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So true. Thanks for your comment.
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