Whether you realize it or not, your words are powerful words. And the power of those words have the potential to hinder or nurture your inner self and others. Truth be told, we probably don’t think enough about that. I know that was made clear to me, at least, as I began studying Jonathan Edwards’ resolution number 16.
I originally started down the path of personal affirmation and gossip. What I found in scripture, though, was evidence that the tongue indeed can be one of the mightiest strengths and detriments to man. It’s probably why James warned us against speaking evil (James 4:11).
Taking it further, let’s consider the ways we use our speech for selfish interests and for literally the destruction of others (that’s not an exaggeration, as we will learn in a moment). Even so, the tongue is double-edged and has a mighty power to enrich and build. And that is precisely the manner in which God intends for us to use it, and probably why Edwards made this resolution.
Your words are powerful words. Let that power be used for good, and not malicious self-interests. The tongue is double-edged and has a mighty power to enrich and build. That’s precisely the manner in which God intends for us to use it, and probably why Edwards made resolution 16.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 16
Edwards’ Resolution #15 (in my modernized language)
Resolved: To never slander someone for dishonoring them, except in rare circumstances where it will bring greater good.
If You Can’t Say Anything to Add Value…
If you’re not paying enough attention, you see a passage in Romans (1:30) where slanderers and gossips are lumped in with the faithless, the heartless, and even murderers. Wow. You mean to tell me that when I say spread something – whether it’s hearsay or fact – about a person, it’s as bad as homicide? Surely, you must be mistaken.
I am, in fact, not mistaken (and don’t call me Shirley).
Your words have a means for murder. More on that in a moment. For now, I want to call attention to the Apostle Paul, and his second letter to the church in Corinth. He wrote towards the end of that letter (2 Corinthians 12:20), that he was worrying he’d find the church he so loved in absolute disarray by slander and gossip. He’s saying to them, point-blank, he’s worrying the whole thing is falling to pieces – and he was suspecting they’d not like what he would say to them.
In the next chapter, he tells them that he sends it in advance of his third visit so they don’t have to speak of it when he gets there. Why? Because any second he is spending on reprimands or dealing with such speak is a second taken from God.
I’m writing this to you now so that when I come I won’t have to say another word on the subject. The authority the Master gave me is for putting people together, not taking them apart. I want to get on with it, and not have to spend time on reprimands. – 2 Corinthians 13:10 MSG.
Your Powerful Words Can Destroy
Did you catch what Paul said of his authority given to him? He says it is “for putting people together, not taking them apart.” The NLT version says it as “to strengthen you, not to tear you down.” The ESV says “for building up and not for tearing down.” (emphasis added by yours truly).
Regardless of the version, I think you’ll agree on the general sentiment. God’s desire is for us to be a developer of people. To do that, we mustn’t be a destroyer of people.
And this is where we get back to murder (I told you we would). More specifically, we’re talking about assassination. You see, the Merriam-Webster definition of Character Assassination reads as: “the slandering of a person usually with the intention of destroying public confidence in that person.”
In a nutshell, it’s the spreading of rumors, falsehoods, innuendo, etc. Most commonly, its associated with intentionality. This is often the case with politics and other public relations. However, it’s often unintentional. A simple conversation at a party or other interaction may seem harmless. Rarely is that so.
In fact, your powerful words can actually result in an assassination of two people: the person about whom you have spread the idle info and yourself. Astute observers will take note of your foolishness and know better than to trust you in future matters.
Your Powerful Words Can Enrich
On the flip side of character assassination is character enrichment. Instead of being a destructive force of powerful words that tear down, rip apart, and break, our words must be and do more. In our broken world, this is so important. Our brothers and sisters really don’t need help busting up their self-esteem. They don’t need people reminding them of their failures, shortcomings and brokenness.
No. They probably are doing a fine enough job of it all on their own.
Instead, let’s commit to our words speaking hope, love and life. They should enrich rather than tarnish. Powerful words are better used for developing over destroying. They should be affirmations of what is well versus what is wrong.
This, of course, does not imply that we should lie or be dishonest simply because it may hurt someone’s feelings. Rather, it’s about choosing your words appropriately and exercising that emotional intelligence thing. When the time for brutal honesty is upon you, go for it. However, regardless of the conditions, a kind word should not be far from your lips.
Instead of allowing your powerful words to be an assassin’s bullet, make them give birth to optimism, positivity and enriching the lives of those around you!