Post by Johnny Gotham on Jan 15, 2005 16:50:09 GMT -5
"They’re Just Words, Aren’t They?"
By Charles E. Bryce
We have all heard the old saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Is this saying really true? What effect do our words have on us, individually and as a society? And what can you do about it?
Obscenity has been making news lately. Obscenities in the media have attracted attention not only to themselves, but also to the question: what is obscene, and why does it matter?
As San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jonathan Curiel recently reported: "The United States is in the middle of a culture war that shows no signs of abating. It began with the Janet Jackson incident then snowballed with the FCC’s $495,000 fine over radio provocateur Howard Stern, which prompted Clear Channel to remove him from six of their radio stations" ("Decency gets some heavy opposition," May 16, 2004).
Some people think obscene words should not be an issue. They say this is simply a matter of free speech—a constitutional right. Others believe public obscenity is not a matter of free speech at all, and that it is insulting, unacceptable and crude—and infringes on others’ constitutional rights.
Webster’s Dictionary defines obscenity as: "Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty. Repulsive; disgusting." But who decides what is "offensive," and whose "accepted standards" are the right measure? If we rely only on mankind for the answer, we will find only conflicting opinions. However, there is a source we can go to that will give us the truth about obscene words. That source is God’s word—the Holy Bible, which tells us: "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
Words flow from thoughts. Luke 6:45 says it well: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Obscene thoughts generate obscene words. The two are inseparable. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
The way we think determines what we say, what we do and what kind of individuals we are. Therefore, it is essential that we develop good, clean and right thought patterns. A pure mind and heart produce wholesome, upright words and actions. We become upstanding citizens who respect our neighbors and contribute worthwhile, positive and lasting standards to our communities and neighborhoods. We build a legacy of virtues and values for our families to live by, which leads to decency, good comportment and lasting success.
How can we develop such patterns of thought? The Apostle Paul advises us: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate [think] on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
Our thoughts shape our words, and our words reflect our character. Sooner or later, we become known not just by our actions, but by what we say. The language we use becomes part of our reputation—good or bad, clean or dirty. So we should always carefully consider our words, to ensure that we are speaking with propriety, keeping in mind the feelings and dignity of our fellow human beings.
Words mean so much, and can be very powerful, whether written or spoken. As Bulwer-Lytton said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." The speech we use, and the words we read and hear, should fit the beautiful description found in Proverbs 25:11: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Our words mirror our innermost being, and project profound influence on all who hear them. Obscene words have no legitimate place in society. They are out of place in any home or life that stands for quality, decency and respect for every individual.
—Charles E. Bryce
Copyright © 2005 Tomorrow's World
From: www.tomorrowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/tw-mag.cgi?category=Magazine31&item=1104252583
By Charles E. Bryce
We have all heard the old saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Is this saying really true? What effect do our words have on us, individually and as a society? And what can you do about it?
Obscenity has been making news lately. Obscenities in the media have attracted attention not only to themselves, but also to the question: what is obscene, and why does it matter?
As San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jonathan Curiel recently reported: "The United States is in the middle of a culture war that shows no signs of abating. It began with the Janet Jackson incident then snowballed with the FCC’s $495,000 fine over radio provocateur Howard Stern, which prompted Clear Channel to remove him from six of their radio stations" ("Decency gets some heavy opposition," May 16, 2004).
Some people think obscene words should not be an issue. They say this is simply a matter of free speech—a constitutional right. Others believe public obscenity is not a matter of free speech at all, and that it is insulting, unacceptable and crude—and infringes on others’ constitutional rights.
Webster’s Dictionary defines obscenity as: "Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty. Repulsive; disgusting." But who decides what is "offensive," and whose "accepted standards" are the right measure? If we rely only on mankind for the answer, we will find only conflicting opinions. However, there is a source we can go to that will give us the truth about obscene words. That source is God’s word—the Holy Bible, which tells us: "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
Words flow from thoughts. Luke 6:45 says it well: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Obscene thoughts generate obscene words. The two are inseparable. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
The way we think determines what we say, what we do and what kind of individuals we are. Therefore, it is essential that we develop good, clean and right thought patterns. A pure mind and heart produce wholesome, upright words and actions. We become upstanding citizens who respect our neighbors and contribute worthwhile, positive and lasting standards to our communities and neighborhoods. We build a legacy of virtues and values for our families to live by, which leads to decency, good comportment and lasting success.
How can we develop such patterns of thought? The Apostle Paul advises us: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate [think] on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
Our thoughts shape our words, and our words reflect our character. Sooner or later, we become known not just by our actions, but by what we say. The language we use becomes part of our reputation—good or bad, clean or dirty. So we should always carefully consider our words, to ensure that we are speaking with propriety, keeping in mind the feelings and dignity of our fellow human beings.
Words mean so much, and can be very powerful, whether written or spoken. As Bulwer-Lytton said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." The speech we use, and the words we read and hear, should fit the beautiful description found in Proverbs 25:11: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Our words mirror our innermost being, and project profound influence on all who hear them. Obscene words have no legitimate place in society. They are out of place in any home or life that stands for quality, decency and respect for every individual.
—Charles E. Bryce
Copyright © 2005 Tomorrow's World
From: www.tomorrowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/tw-mag.cgi?category=Magazine31&item=1104252583