“Where words are many, evil is present.” – Solomon
There is great power in words. Words have the ability to build up or tear down. They can make a friend or make an enemy. They can break hearts or mend them. They can spur others to action, begin movements, and change the course of history.
And they impact our lives nearly every day. Words can simplify or complicate. They can bring us freedom in our relationships or bind us to them. They can make laying our head on the pillow at night a peaceful experience or a stressful one. Simply put, our words determine the direction of our lives.
The impact of words on simplicity in life cannot be overlooked. To find simplicity, our words should stay in one of these five categories:
- Kind words – Kind words build others up and foster self-esteem. They turn worry into joy and fear into optimism. They hold the power to change the course of another‘s life and ultimately change the course of ours. There are few things in life more pleasurable than brightening someone‘s day. Mother Teresa had it right when she said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
- Gentle words – One of the greatest lessons we can ever learn is that a harsh attack does not require a harsh response. In fact, a gentle word has the power to break through anger and completely remove it. When someone is unkind to you, try responding with gentleness. Sometimes, it requires more courage, strength, and control, but it always holds more power.
- Pleasant words. Pleasant words are light, free, and enjoyable. They brighten rooms and faces. On the other hand, unpleasant words carry weight, cause irritation and stir up negativity. Pleasant words encourage learning. If you want to truly influence others (including your children), use pleasant words as much as possible.
- Honest words – Honest words communicate value and love. They refuse the low-road of empty flattery and choose the high road of trust and commitment instead. But to be effective and simplifying, honest words must be matched with honest intentions. And remember that it is always easier to be honest about another than to be honest about ourselves… choose both.
- Wise words – Wise words are based in a deep understanding of people, things, and situations. They require the ability to listen, clarify, understand, and choose correctly. And they are more essential than ever! Never miss an opportunity to speak wisdom into the life of another. And never miss an opportunity to accept wisdom being spoken into yours.
Words play a powerful role in our lives and in the lives of others. We would be wise to choose them carefully.