‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made’ (John 1:1–18).
The phrase ‘Then God said…’ is repeated several times in the account of creation, highlighting that the world was brought into existence by God’s word. For generations, the Israelites shaped their behaviour around this understanding, recognising the power of speech. Words can offer support, bring comfort, and give strength — but they can also cause harm.
As defined by the PWN Polish language dictionary, a word is a ‘linguistic sign that has some meaning, an oral or written statement.’ The main purpose of using words is to convey information. Depending on whether we are speaking formally or informally, we choose our words accordingly.
When preparing a speech or lecture, we think through every word and how they fit together to convey meaning clearly and effectively. Such statements require time and preparation, and every word carries meaning. What we want to say, and how we choose to say it, matters.
In informal family or social contexts, the approach to language changes. We tend to speak more freely and are less concerned with weighing the meaning of each individual word. We often say whatever comes to mind, sometimes unintentionally hurting others with careless remarks. Even if we regret it later and apologise, the harm caused by spoken words cannot always be undone. As Tolstoy wrote, ‘Spoken words fly away, written words remain’. They can leave a deeper mark than actions.
Can a word actually kill?
Yes. If it comes from anger, hatred, or rage, it can do real harm. If it comes from love, it has the power to do good. Words allow us to communicate with others and express our thoughts and emotions. This raises an important question: should we speak every thought aloud, or only those that are true and do not harm or offend? The answer seems clear.
Jesus said, ‘But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.’ (Matthew 12:34–37). We will one day answer for every careless word we speak.
Positive words nurture love and friendship and help build closeness. They can calm fear and reach even the most closed heart. Words of love, respect, or sympathy can end conflict and stop harm.
Simple words like please, thank you, and sorry carry real weight. They bring warmth and understanding into our relationships. Just as important is the word love. There is no one who does not need to hear kind, encouraging words. They bring people together and give strength.
It is important to be aware of the power carried by the words we use. With this awareness, we are better able to make intentional and considered choices in the language we direct towards ourselves and our children.
Research on water
The effect of language was explored by Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher who examined how water responds to external influences. Using double-distilled water, he and his team prepared a series of samples. Some were exposed to pleasant music, words of kindness, and positive emotions such as love and respect. Others were subjected to aggressive music, mainly heavy metal, along with negative emotions, thoughts, and language.
The samples were then frozen. The results were striking. The crystals that formed in the positively treated samples were large and visually striking, with balanced and elegant structures. In contrast, those from the negatively treated group were small, misshapen, and irregular in form.
The human body is made up largely of water. It is not possible to maintain good health when we expose ourselves to negative words, emotions, or fear. Likewise, it becomes difficult to stay positive when we listen to disturbing music or watch programmes filled with harmful messages. Masaru Emoto’s findings allow us to imagine what might be happening in our bodies under such influences. Words affect us more deeply than we often realise.
As negative input surrounds us daily, it is important to keep a healthy distance and balance it with positive actions. When we feel low, sad, or angry, we should read something light-hearted or listen to calming music. This can influence us for the better and bring about changes in our body’s chemistry. Instead of complaining or swearing, we can try to smile. This simple act sends a message to the brain, and the release of endorphins improves our mood.
With this in mind, it is especially important to consider how we speak to children. Words directed at them matter. Speaking to them harshly disrupts their inner balance, weakens them, damages their confidence, and discourages them. Children believe what we tell them. Our words can give them strength. By repeating that they are valued and capable, we help them grow.
By the way, we recommend reading the articles:
- One Grave, Two Species? Neanderthals and Modern Humans
- The Origin of the Moon: Coincidence or Design?
- The Gaia Hypothesis: A Challenge to the Secularity of Evolutionism
- Ota Benga – The Man Who Became a Zoo Exhibi
- What is the Higgs Boson?
Footnotes
- Kobieta w pigułce, 2020. Good and Bad Power of Words. Kobieta w pigułce. Available at: http://www.kobietawpigulce.pl/dobra-i-zla-moc-slowa/.
- Guzewicz, M., 2017. Words Have Power! Tak Rodzinie. Available at: http://www.takrodzinie.pl/artykul/slowo-ma-moc.
- Grabowski, J., 2020. Responsibility for Words. Opoka. Available at: https://opoka.org.pl/biblioteka/P/PS/niedziela202045-slowo.
- Guzowska-Deptuła, M., 2020. Thoughts and Words Have Power. Einspiratio. Available at: https://einspiratio.pl/mysli-i-slowa-maja-moc/.
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