day 117: Few Words Will Do

Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 222–230 these words for Queen Gertrude: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks". That statement has been twisted and turned to be used many ways to make the point that those who talk too much can end up being thought of as trying too hard to make a point, or full of themselves, or trying to weave and spin a story to cover a lie. Or sometimes, all of the above. I have always been cautious of the person who "goes on and on" as I have found that many words can spill lots of beans and just create more drama and worry than is necessary. Not to mention, that I remember as a kid when I would try and spin a story to my parents to cover myself I would make the story bigger and bigger thinking that they would think "if all of that happenned, "it must be true". I just assumed that my parents never read Shakespeare. :) So, we should be cautious of others and also cautious of ourselves with the number of words we use to make a point if we want gain the highest credibility and respect. The Bible states this also in Proverbs 17:27: "A truly wise person uses few words...". As we go through the work day and we strive for efficiency, productivity and clarity in our work and purpose, we should take measure of this passage. Those that are wise learn to use few words. By default that means that they also listen since they aren't talking. The instructions guide for wisdom that we find in Proverbs is chocked full. Starting now to pick, choose and limit our words will put us on that wisdom path and as we know, everyone respects those who are wise.

Reference: Proverbs 17:27 (New Living Testament)

day 56: Work Words, part 2 - Replacement Words

Yesterday we learned the simple truth that God does not want us using foul or abusive language in life or at work. A simple lesson for sure but not an easy one to follow and practice. It just seems like adding that certain word for emphasis or explanation helps make the point. But, when we take this path we are making both emotional and intellectual choices that have consequences. I think in most cases we are also taking the lazy path intellectually when we allow ourselves to use this language. The other day I overheard a conversation with two people where the description of one person by the other, to his face (which was representative of an anatomical part), expressed the point clearly but also created a heightened animosity and anger in the person who was being talked at and could have easily, if not for the control of the receiving person, come to blows. As I reflected on that conversation, the person delivering the message may have felt more powerful but in reality, this very intellectual person had lowered himself to a base level and chosen the laziest of words to express his point of view and left the conversation in a worse place than it was before, all because of the words chosen. If we are not to use foul or abusive language, what words are we then to choose to replace these words? Ephesians 4:29 concludes with; "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them". We are to take the higher ground. We are to work harder intellectually and emotionally to find the place and the words that can still bring across the point but leave the other person or parties in a better emotional state. As I think back on the confrontation I witnessed, there was another way to have made the point. It would have taken the person who was expressing the point of view to have found another emotional footing to stand on, and then to have intellectually have thought through how it would be that he could build up the other person and still ensure that the lesson was given. It could have been done and knowing the situation, good could have come from what was initially bad and unfortunately after this conversation got worse. God wants us to use the faith that we have in Him, the power that He has put inside of us, and the love that He modeled, to be different than the rest of the world. That can start today, at work, with you and the words that you choose. Today would be a good day to start thinking and using the replacement words that He can give you. You and all others around you will be better for it.

Reference: Ephesians 4:29 (New Living Testament)