I'm sure we've all heard or even uttered these words "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" Though it may be a useful attitude to take when insulted by others, in our hearts, we know this is not true. Somehow reciting those words does not take the hurt away.
Words do tremendous damage. Unless you've been a victim of violent crime or a major illness or something else catastrophic, your deepest pains have probably come from hurtful words.
Words have great power. God created the world using words--"Let there be light"--and there was light. Human beings also create through words. They produce great novels that move us, and music that warm our hearts. Writers put much thought into the right selection of words so their books or songs will sell.
We listen and communicate words every day that either lift us up or bring us down. Powerful, positive words can offer great healing while negative words contain great destructive power that tears down. Whenever you talk negatively about people, talk negatively to people or listen to someone else talk negatively about others, you unleash that harmful power.
Be proactive and speak positively about others. Use the power of your words to build up and to encourage. Of course, you shouldn't build up someone who is practicing evil--in such a case, it is better just to remain quiet. But be on the lookout for good.
My late grandfather always told me to THINK. He told me that if what I was going to say doesn't pass the following tests, don't say it.
T--Is it true?
H--Is it helpful?
I--Is it inspiring?
N--Is it necessary?
K--Is it kind?
written by GMoney2, April 14, 2008
In verbal arguments between one person and another, most people find they always lose, convinced they must be wrong, while others consistently win. Their logic, their reasons seem so compelling, so powerful, they virtually force others to change their opinions, their beliefs and their behavior to comply with what's being asked. Words written can be even more powerful since the written word is often uncritically accepted as being true.
Power is generated by using the words in such a way that they trigger emotional responses in the person who hears or reads them. These are enormous powers, largely because they are invisible. Others can thus be persuaded, manipulated and controlled without their knowledge.
In total, these enormous powers have been defined as fallacious arguments, fallacious because they are false and misleading. There are more than 30 of these powers, each one with a name and crafted for a specific purpose. They are in common use in politics and everywhere else one or more people want to assert their will over others. When used in advertising, these powers are extremely successful selling tools.
rgds,
J
