Researchers have conservatively estimated that the average American is exposed to any- where between twenty-five thousand and thirty-five thousand words a day in some form or another, with some studies indicating far higher word counts than that. And that doesn’t include the seven thousand words or more that we speak each day.
My oh my, that’s a lot of words coming at us, and a lot of words going out at other people!
“Think about what that means to you,” remarks Paul Petrone, a senior editor at LinkedIn. “Those seven thousand words (at least)... are your imprint on the world. They dictate how people perceive you — and largely define you.”1
Our words also deeply influence how the world perceives the God we serve. Are we making them count or letting them go out empty?
Throughout the book of Proverbs, the wisest human being who ever lived commended fewer but carefully chosen words.
Wise words are a life-giving fountain, wrote Solomon.
They’re so rare, they are more valuable than jewels. God Himself declared that what comes from His mouth does not return to Him empty. Instead, it does what He wants and accomplishes what He intends. That’s such a good goal for us!
To restore meaning to our conversations, psychotherapist Mel Schwartz suggests elevating the details of our everyday language. Instead of signing off with a “Love ya” on our phone calls or texts, for instance, he urges us to bring back the “I” and say “I love you.”1 Simple adjustments like this not only communicate sincerity and transparency but are a “deeply... emotional offering.”2 Such intention with your words says you cared enough to leave an impression, not just a message.
In a world full of more words than meaning, strive for fewer words and more meaning. Impact is everything.
A truly wise person uses few words... Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent. — Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT
Prayer
When not carefully chosen, my words have only made matters worse. I need Your help in knowing when and how to speak so I can be a blessing to others.
1. Mel Schwartz, The Possibility Principle: How Quantum Physics Can Improve the Way You Think, Live, and Love (Sounds True, 2017).
2. Schwartz, The Possibility Principle.
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Excerpted with permission from 100 Days of Joy and Strength by Candace Cameron Bure, copyright Candace Cameron Bure.
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Your Turn
We must be wise with our words. Our words leave a strong impact on those around us for better or for worse. Let’s listen carefully to the Holy Spirit and strive for fewer words and more positive meaning. ~ Devotionals Daily