By Dr Henry Shepherd
The Newspapers are regularly carrying the latest episodes of word war – who fired a fresh salvo and at whom. Such blistering attacks indicate that leaders have lost the dignity- their predecessors were known for.
They have sharpened their tongue to be as piercing as possible. They usually speak half- truth and prick the most painful nerve of the opponents. They choose fiery words, aggression and hatred to be one up. People have been washing dirty linen in public then shamelessly defend their statements. They seldom agree to swallow their pride but under pressure sometimes agree to modify the contents of statements or blame the media. It has become a new trend to gain popularity and remain in the news. Large sections of readers are now feeling disgusted with the new trend. Some thinkers blame modern movies for this trend.
Up to eighties, youth used to hesitate signing cheap songs in the presence of elders, but now the times have changed, they freely gyrate on item songs, particularly on demand in parties.
Should we not expect our leaders to set good examples and maintain an aura with dignity? Our country had a healthy culture, etiquettes, moral values, courtesy and words of wisdom. One L.Hand said, “Words are chameleon that reflect the colour of environment”. The effect of the environment cannot be denied. Therefore kind David prayed: “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin. I will put a muzzle as long as the wicked are present”.
We do not count words among living beings. But words are agile and once spoken do not die. Words are invisible, but God has created all visible things, including earth, animals, plants, sun and stars, etc. using only his words. They took the physical form of suitable materials.
Words have power; they can comfort the restless but can also agitate a cool headed person: might taste like honey or worse than quinine; they act as a balm but also can reopen healed wounds. The meaning of the same word changes with tone, facial expression and time. Our eyes, tears, certain signs nature, and body language, etc. use soundless words. Solomon says – The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Jesus said: The heart of man is a storehouse, and the quality of content is revealed when we speak. Abuses, cuss words, unwholesome talk are indicators of content stored in the mind. That is why words of saints are like the fragrance but that of wicked stink.
St .James said –A perfect man is faultless in search and keeps the whole body in check. A bit is put into the mouth of a horse to control speed and direction. Similarly, a small fire can consume the whole forest. We use the same tongue to curse and to bless others, but none could tame the tongue for it is restless and poisonous evil. However, there is a good suggestion from the saint; everyone should be quick to listen but slow to speak. Jesus said – “When you pray do not keep on bubbling —for your Father knows before you ask him”. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. The one who speaks in haste is counted among fools, and a flatterer spreads the net of words to win over benefactors. Anyone who cannot control the tongue brings shame and disgrace. The same word acceptable to one group may be offending to the same group depending upon time, occasion and mood. A word in time is appreciated by all.
People think –truth is always bitter, yet it is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than listen to the song of fools. The Bible teaches not to use negative confession neither self nor for others. Let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich. The one who talks of defeat cannot be victorious. We should be careful in choosing the names for children. If a child is named after a saint, the same will behave like one, and vice-versa is also true. Bless others, if they are not worthy blessings will return to you. Jesus said the man does not live on bread alone, for man is not the only body. The food of the spirit of man is God’s word. A man whose daily intake of God’s word is poor is either sick or frail in spiritual health.
Therefore when we say – word it means words spoken by men or God. We have been pondering over words spoken by humans that are imperfect. But God’s words are holy, perfect and full of wisdom and life. The Bible uses the following symbols for God’s word: Light, double-edged sword, truth, food, hammer, good news, fire and seed. God’s word is word of life, eternal, never changing, sanctifying, effectual, desirable and priceless. It can make man free, illuminate, produce faith, convicts and heals our body, soul and spirit. Therefore Word should be read carefully, obeyed diligently, believed in the heart, preached to loved ones, and kept in mind. One should be watchful what he hears, speaks and sees and reads. By believing Word in his heart a man becomes right with God, and by sharing it with others confirms salvation.
Dr Henry Shepherd is former Pro Vice Chancellor Sam Higginbottom Institute of Ag Engg & Tech
