Have you ever thought about the power of words? Have you ever imagined the persuasive power of choosing the most apt word, in the most apt place, at the most apt time? This classic passage that appeared in several newspapers in the 1870s might inspire you to choose your words carefully ...
The Power of A Word
By A Lady
Did you ever think how much power is vested in a word? It may have caused but little exertion on your part to utter it. Only a single breath may have been required to waft it from your lips to the ears of your listener, but when once spoken, it was past recall. It revealed the secret motives and brought to light the hidden thoughts of your heart. The word may have been a thoughtless one, spoken in an unguarded moment; but it left its impress, and may be remembered long after your voice is hushed, and you are sleeping the sleep that knows no waking.
Perhaps the word was an unkind one, harshly spoken, and accompanied by a cold, chilling look, which cast a gloomy shadow over some loving, sensitive heart. Perhaps it was one of malice, envy, or deceit, and enkindled a bitter feeling of resentment which will live on and on while memory lasts; or it may have been a cheerful, pleasant, loving word, proceeding from a heart brimful of the purest kindness, which fell like sweetest music on the listening ear, touching a hidden chord in the soul, which will ever respond in strains of love and harmony. Perchance it may have been a word of sympathy or encouragement, spoken in tenderest accents, so that very word may have scattered the clouds, dispelled the gloom, and diffused sunshine into the heart well-nigh crushed beneath its burden of woe.
Words may seem but little things to us, but they possess a power beyond calculation. They swiftly fly from us to others, and, though we scarcely give them a passing thought, their spirit lives. Though they are as fleeting as the breath that bore them, their influence is as enduring as the heart they reach. Well may we guard our lips, so that none grieve in silence over words that we have carelessly dropped. Well may we strive to scatter loving, cheering, encouraging words, to soothe the weary, and awaken the noble, finer feelings of those with whom we daily come in contact. Well may we endeavour to use right words, for they are indeed precious. How they endear each to the other. Though they cost the speaker nothing, they are more valuable than diamonds, and shed a brighter lustre on all around.