| Colossians 4:6- “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” |
Each of these devotional runs about 350 words. But don’t underestimate the power of words. The English dictionary offers us a vast selection of over 171,000 words to choose from.
Just like Noah, who recognized the potential of words. Hand-picked by Alexander Hamilton, he became the editor of the Federalist newspaper, advocating for a strong federal government. He was also a passionate abolitionist and led the Connecticut society for the abolition of slavery.
Noah even authored one of the first spelling books, believing that people should know words to communicate precisely. This book, known as the Blue-backed Speller due to its blue cover, sold an astonishing fifteen million copies when it was published in 1837. Considering the small population of America at that time, this is truly remarkable.
However, Noah’s most enduring contribution came in 1825 when he published Webster’s Dictionary, a timeless reference for generations. Words have immense significance. They possess the power to either wound or uplift, to soothe a child or bring tears. They are undeniably influential. No one should ever dismiss the impact of words by saying, “words mean nothing.” Every word spoken carries consequences, affecting both the listener and the speaker.
That’s why Paul, in a passage addressing master-slave relationships, the value of suffering, and prayer, chose to emphasize the importance of our everyday conversations. He urged us to let our words be filled with grace and seasoned with salt, enabling us to respond wisely to everyone we encounter (Colossians 4:6). God attentively listens to every word we utter. So let us make the conscious choice to use words that bring healing and promote the kingdom.
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
