A Love of Words

I love the richness of language! Often there are many ways to express one thought. Those of us who have learned more than one language have the added benefit of access to an even greater store of words than we did when we knew only our first language. We sometimes confuse people who don’t know our second language by inserting words unfamiliar to them. 

Sometimes we struggle to find just the right word. Do I want to say I am happy or joyful or elated or ecstatic? As a writer, I tend to be fond of the words I choose and may even think they’re the best ones to convey what is on my mind. As a member of a local Christian writers’ group, I benefit from critique by fellow writers. At first I found it hard to accept the possibility someone else could improve on my writing. God has helped me to realize that these writer friends also received their gifts from him and that they using their gifts to help me. Even though membership in the group changes constantly with new people joining and others moving away or leaving for other reasons, we continue together because we are committed to the core values as laid out by those who first began the association. A casual interpretation of our motto is that that we polish what is already good writing because we want to honor God with all our writing.  

I’ve learned that when someone questions my word choice, it may be because the word I chose doesn’t carry the same depth of meaning for that person. It could also be that my critique-giver knows the intended audience might have a clearer understanding if my idea were restated.  

Words carry so much meaning! If I attach so much value to the words I choose, how much more important is the Bible! The riches of its treasure are often most readily acknowledged in reference to the Psalms. Poetic language moves us in ways we can’t always express. I can still recall how a careful study of Isaiah left me in awe of God’s choice of words! When I came to chapters 42-44, it seemed I needed to read them aloud, Almighty God’s power and tenderness pour out with such beauty in those portions.    

May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O God my strength and my Redeemer! (See Psalm 19:14.)