Lately my little 3-year-old granddaughter finds it rather funny to say the word "poop". A few days ago we were eating beef and broccoli at the mall and she was giggling and saying it as if she were saying "pass-the-salt". So I reproved her. Yesterday she needed a reminder. I explained to her that you don't talk about "poop" at the dining-room table. She asked the inevitable why? I said "because you only say "poop" when you are in the bathroom or need to tell mommy or me that you need to go to the bathroom. And then you should whisper it."
"Why?"
"Because it is not polite." She didn't quite understand that word either; I tried another. "It's rude." She looked puzzled. "It isn't nice, and makes other people sick when they are eating."
"Oh."
"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 ESV
Certain words conjure up vivid images in our minds. Just as my granddaughter's word conjures up rather unappetizing thoughts at the dinner-table, other words conjure up images that bespeak volumes about situations, personalities, and character. Some words should not be spoken--or even mulled over in our minds. They are only used to create hurt, incite anger and produce feelings of harm. Many words should be deleted from our posts before we hit the "publish" button. In fact, should we be writing about others--their doctrine, their viewpoints, their ideas, their personhood, their writings--I have learned it is best if we spend more time editing than creating our colorful prose before posting it on the world-wide-web. It is something all writers should do--especially Christians. After all, "rash words are like sword thrusts".
Unfortunately some people take pleasure in plunging swords and twisting the blade once it enters the gut. Other folks find writers who draw such swords funny, witty, and worthy of claiming best friends. But then, some do not even flinch when others bring "poop" to the dinner table, either. Writing sheathed with such intent bring these words to my mind: Sickening. Blood-spattered. Gall-soaked. Thorn-piercing. Sad.
Therefore...
I believe what comes out of my granddaughter's mouth says alot about the character of her heart. I want her to guard her heart from evil thinking that rests within it. I try to follow Christ and the pattern my daughter teaches her children. I want to undergird those values and virtues. So I try to teach my granddaughter the appropriate usage of words--that if she can't say something nice, she shouldn't say anything at all. I also find it imperative to check my own words, usage and motive. While I find much of the political correctness we see in the world today is bogus over-sensitivity, I do believe words matter. Especially, the intent of words. My words are my testimony. I believe what comes from me, says more about me, than what my words say about others. At the end of some days, I have not liked what my words say about me and my heart. I make no claim to wisdom, but I really do want my words to bring healing to others. How about you? Rash or wise? Which scale is heavier today? selahV
