“Once a word leaves
your mouth, you cannot chase it back even with the swiftest horse.”
– Chinese Proverb
We have all heard, and use the saying, "Talk is
cheap". What is usually meant is
that most people talk more than they do.
That is true. Mark Twain said,
"Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often." This fact should not cause our concern about
our words to weaken. The greater truth
is that your word can destroy you faster than your actions. Actions are often forgotten but words never
are.
Two of
the principles in the Boy Scout Law is that a Scout is Kind and he is
Clean. When it comes to your words,
these laws are of extreme importance.
There may be many things to look at when it comes to how we talk, but I
would like to focus on these two for now in hopes that they start you to
thinking before you start talking.
Kind Words
Kids can be very cruel when it
comes to the words they use. They call each
other names and say hurtful things without thinking. The saying, "Sticks and stones can break
my bones, but names will never hurt me", is a lie. The truth is that names stay with us for life. Broken bones heal in time, broken spirits
never do.
In teaching boys the Scout Law
to be kind, we help them to see that what they say matters. No one likes to be called names or made fun
of. Once a boy sees that their words can
cause damage, many will pay closer attention to what they say. Likewise, using kind and encouraging words
can bring healing, confidence and friendship.
As an adult you would think that
we know better. Sadly, adults can and
often are as cruel as children. They just
do it in a more underhanded way. They
gossip, spread rumors and lie about others.
This shows a lack of integrity and character in a person and cause more
harm to the one who speaks more than to the one who is spoken about.
Clean Words
One of the struggles that Scout
leaders have is teaching young boys that swearing and using harsh language is
wrong and harmful. Why is this so
hard? It is because they hear it at home
and on TV as if it was just normal talk.
The fact that fewer people are repulsed by bad language does not mean it
is now acceptable.
Adults, at home, in business and
in social settings must be aware that the use of foul language shows a lack of
character and really makes you look less intelligent. The person who cannot figure out what words to
use that are not offensive is not the person you want in a place of authority
and leadership.
Be a person who knows how to use
their words to encourage, show kindness and inspire. The better your language and use of words the
better and more professional you will look and be. Let me end as I started with the words of
Mark Twain, "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think
you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
You
matter! You matter to the world and to
yourself. Remember to be your best, love
God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.
John Patrick
Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from
John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your
church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.
© 2014 John
Patrick Hickey
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