Having always been intrigued by law enforcement procedural shows, it should come as no surprise, especially in these days with the ability to binge-watch a series, that I noticed myself viewing a docu-drama surrounding the Unabomber case from the 90s. For several consecutive hours, I became engrossed in details that had not previously held my attention as a young emerging adult during my twenties. Following a federal investigation of a serial bomber, which spread over several decades, I became fascinated by the process, now known as forensic linguistics, that one investigator implements to create a profile of their suspect, demonstrating that Words Matter. From the inversion of a well-known phrase about eating and having cake, along with other word choices, a criminal was brought to justice.
According to my small amount of research, a forensic linguist analyzes documents to determine authenticity of an author or to correctly interpret specific meanings. While observing this process unfold in the investigation, I could not help but contemplate what type of conclusions a forensic linguist would make as to my character if they were to profile me based on word choices from my writings—be that journal entries (often prayers), emails, letters, lectures or even this blog. Would the Words I choose Matter in offering an accurate reflection of who I am as a professor, family member, friend, colleague, or follower of Christ?
Confidently, I will say, “Yes, Words Matter!” I’ve alluded to this topic in posts such as 5:1 Ratio, I’m Only, and Subtle Distinctions; however, today, I offer that not only can words be placed on trial, as Jack Hitt refers to in his article about law enforcement; but that words can either be life-giving or life-taking as Jamie Dickens shares in his message. You may not be able to remember what someone said to you five minutes ago, but you can recall in detail what a person spoke to you five years ago because it was life-giving or life-taking. Words Matter! “What was said to you had such life-giving or life-taking power that it is still with you this day. Solomon [in Scripture] is saying your words have the power of life and death and he gives us a warning regarding our words…we urgently need to tune in because we have allowed ourselves to develop a dangerous habit that has the potential to undermine our ability” to be in healthy relationships with the people around us.
Dickens challenges listeners to rethink their words, encouraging us not to settle for the 3:1 negative ratio; to not allow this standard to become our normal. “We have normalized a way of talking to each other that is going to keep us from thriving [flourishing]…keep us mediocre in our marriages…ensure we have more insecurity than confidence…more hurt than healing, more regret than fond memories, and a more divided than unified community.” Hearing this perspective, I am reminded of the need for us to Reclaim Conversation so that we are not normalizing poor communication, but instead making an intentional choice to emphasize positive versus negative language. In Reclaiming Conversation, we might be encouraged to carefully consider why Words Matter and take to heart “the words of the apostle Paul, whether you are religious or not. If you will start doing what [he says], it will instantly make your life, your relationships, and your community better.” We are invited to take Paul’s advice from his letter to the Ephesians and “put it into practice as if life and death are actually at stake because they in fact are.”
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). This advice raises the bar for me to consider my word choices in all areas of my life, returning me again to the passage in James to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.” When I recognize that my Words Matter, that they are indeed either life-giving or life-taking, I might be much more intentional about what comes from my mouth; to the point that I would be willing to allow a forensic linguist to analyze my words and not be ashamed of the results.
Are you able to recall a time when the words someone chose to use remained with you for an extended period of time? Would you be willing to share words that were life-giving to you in the comments below?
References:
Dickens, J. (2021, June 6). One Another, Part 1: Words. [Audio podcast]. Northpoint Community Church. Retrieved from https://northpoint.org/messages/one-another/words
Hitt, J. (2012, July 16). Words on trial. Can linguistics solve crimes that stump the police? New Yorker Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/07/23/words-on-trial
Flourishing @ Life 
This is such a powerful message! Words do have the power to give life or to take life, so how we use them MATTERS. I loved that you said, “…you can recall in detail what a person spoke to you five years ago because it was life-giving or life-taking.”, because this could not be more true. I have absolutely been able to remember words that were spoken to me or over me from years ago, that have still impacted my life. I went to a small private christian high school, which meant that we were able to go on a senior trip with all the seniors and some faculty. During this trip, we would take turns each night speaking life-giving words to each other. I can still remember the words that were spoken over me, especially by the people who I was the least close, because those words meant something extra. My family and some close friends have made it a tradition to speak words of encouragement over each other at any birthday party we throw, which has also had a huge impact on the people we’ve done this for, including myself.
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This blog has so much power within it! Words have so much meaning within them whether we see it or not. For example, just simply checking in on someone and asking them about their day can be so meaningful to them. Additionally, it is just as important for us to be willing to listen to someone else because you may not know what they are going through and if you truly listen to them, you will be better off to give a powerful and uplifting response in return that can help get them off to a new and better start. I have been able to remember words that have been said to me many of times, but the one that continues to stay with me was when I was in high school and mom said, “Braden whatever you do in life and whoever you meet in life never let someone change who you are because you are made the way you are for a reason.” This is still something that I refer to almost every single time that I’m going through a hard time, because these simple but powerful words gave me life and helped remind me that I am made in the imagine of God and that I should never want to change who I am. Finally, I have tried to make it a daily challenge to always check in with people and ask them how their day has gone because this could truly make someone’s day that much better.
Braden Tummins
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