Carefully Choosing Your Words
Whether speaking or writing, words have meaning. A variety of computerized programs are available to help authors with composing their articles. Professional classes are available to help public speakers enlarge their vocabulary, thus enhancing their speeches with verbosity. Yet, both authors and speakers still have the responsibility of choosing their words carefully. One of the first rules of communication is “know your audience and compose your discourse accordingly.”
“Learning the audience” is a course study within itself. No one today can literally “read the minds” of those receiving the intended message. Therefore, both the author and speaker must consider “what’s best for the majority” as he puts his thoughts to print. He studies, takes notes, thinks seriously, and devotes hours to the composition, and then may make changes as he finalizes his work before its final presentation. Even then, he ponders the words. Do they fully convey the truth that he desires the hearers/readers to gain? Are these the most effective words that assure retention of the truth? Will these words persuade the hearer’s mind to accept the truth and obey it?
We who write or speak frequently have often cast aside several attempts before reaching the final product. It should be obvious that the most critical arena of such serious contemplation of choosing the words is that of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of preconceptions of what God’s truth actually says and means, proving the FACTS of His word requires choosing the right words. Those words cannot be the preacher’s opinion nor his “seriously contemplated conclusion.” Presentation of God’s word must be nothing more and nothing less than HIS word! (Revelation 22: 18-19). Therefore, choosing the right words in proving God’s word requires God’s word – not man's!
It is not only WHAT is said or written that influences the receiver’s mind, but HOW IT IS SPOKEN OR WRITTEN. In speaking, the inflection of the voice makes a significant difference in the way one receives that message. Writing is a bit more difficult. Yet, if written correctly, emotion is evident as one reads. The written word of God is the greatest example of this reality. When the reader reads God’s word aloud, his own inflection of words, being careful to give attention to even the punctuation of each sentence, vividly conveys the intended expression of the message!
Notice Paul’s commandment to Timothy: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:13) While the Spirit guided the authors in what they penned (John 14:26), the reading of these words should be like hearing them (Revelation 2 – 3, “He that hath an ear, let him hear …” The God of heaven spoke this word first, followed by His Son, and then the Holy Spirit guided the apostles (Hebrews 1: 1-2; 2: 1-4). These words were carefully chosen so souls could easily hear and understand God’s commandments for eternal salvation. Further, it is merely WHAT is written and then spoken, it is HOW it is written and spoken!
When we carefully choose our words, a more fervent reception exists, for they hold the hearer’s attention. Paul said, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6) Solomon said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) Jesus said, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5:37)
We adults are the ones who should sing, “O be careful little lips what you say … for the Father up above is looking down in tender love, so be careful little lips what you say!” That includes what we write and what we preach/teach. So many souls need to hear God’s truth, which creates the demand for more authors and speakers who will declare His word! Notice again, it is a declaration of HIS word – not our commentary on it, but HIS WORD. God chose His words with extreme care. When we write IT and speak IT, the choice of words is easy: we simply quote HIM! And if we make any remarks concerning His word, be sure to speak wisely, carefully, lovingly, respectfully, and with strong conviction! Let us do as Paul instructed Timothy: “Preach the word. Be instant in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) That’s choosing your words carefully!