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There is a word in the English language that is very small but unimaginably important - and can be frightening.

Sometimes it generates an overwhelming fright, even terror for this writer. It has started wars, caused sadness, sorrow, anger and joy. In the plural, that word is simply: "Words"!

Words of all kinds, and length However hey are small things usually. But hey can be made long or short.They can be heard defined and judged according to the ears that hear them. Words can be so misleading. Words, regardless of their strict definition, and regardless of their intended purpose, can mean many things and have a multitude of effects depending on the ear that hears them, and the mind-set of the one who hears.

Any word, spoken or read, can have about as many meanings as there are individuals who read or hear them. Words are the most influential and yet uncontrollable sound imaginable. Four small letters set together next to each other can destroy a life, start a war, or bring peace.

Consider the Bible. It is full of words. How many views, interpretations, opinions are poured forth constantly claiming to understand its words. Notice the words of James:

"The good man from his inner good treasure [a]flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse [b]flings forth evil things. But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every [c]idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. - Matthew 12:35-37

"For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature).

But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so." - James 3:2-10

Words can be cheap and often misleading...even destructive, leading to every evil under the sun. But the right words at the right time, along with right living is priceless. Words properly used can lead to everlasting destruction, or - everlasting life!

We live in a word-filled world. Almost nothing good or evil can be set in motion without the use of words. From nations to very personal words between friends, husbands and wives, diplomats, military training and commands. There is no way to function in life without the use in some way without the use of the little word we call collectively, "words". If you learn how to use words in a constructive way instead of a destructive way, your live will can be filled with increased cooperation whether in business, your church, your neighbors, and especially your family relationships.

It is said that more wars have been provoked because of the misuse of few words than all the provocative actions of nations down through history. It is the same today. Lets us pray that the right words are used in world politics that will ease tensions, and help to provoke consideration, patience, and restraint.

Someone close to me said when we first met and learned that I was a writer instantly commented, "be careful with words...you can get them back." So it is. And so it will always be in this world.

With all the limitless possibilities and potential for bad as well as good, the little word called Words are indispensable. Without them, it would be extremely difficult to communicate in honesty and friendship as human beings.

How are you using your words...?

Remember...you "can't get them back..."

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word