What are Well-Spoken Words?

As a child, I learned this proverb, “Well-spoken words are like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Prov 25:11)  Beautiful wisdom shaped and formed, like custom-made jewelry.  You admire the offerings and want them to decorate the space.  They are precious, timeless, and weighty.  Words who speak promise and truth and vulnerability glow.

Just at the right time, someone offers something humble, transformational, humorous, or hopeful.

When was the last time you were in that moment?  How did those words make you feel?

The story doesn’t end in those moments though, because the well-spoken words continue to shape emotions and bring forward the best in others over time.  We roll them around over and over in our minds. Sometimes they leave a legacy that far surpasses a lifetime.  The wisdom raises our gaze, elevates us, and calls forth our best.

Well-Spoken Words in Crucial Conversations

Over the past week, I had the privilege of participating in many crucial conversations.  In each of those crucial conversations there were well-spoken words.  They spoke to my heart.  They informed my thinking and filled my being with hope.

My own communication style tends to be more like a fire hydrant of ideas verging on preaching.  I have lots to say and it is opinionated.  I come by it honestly, yet I yearn for well-spoken words.  So, I practice.  I try again.  I learn from my mistakes, without punishing myself.  I gain new insights as I go about how my words can hurt, cut, or harm.  Yet, I continue forward.

Here is another proverb I learned as a child, “From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

Now, there it is.  Our hearts need nourishment, so I take up this practice also.  We need to continuously feed our hearts with goodness and inspiration.

Despite the challenge…

Educators and parents, Learn Forward wants to offer “well-spoken words” to nourish our sacred work. We want you to know, “We think you are heroic!”

Our hands are raising the next generation, shaping our culture and society, and caring for what is most dear to us.  Our words are calling forth a nation.  We are all on this journey together.

What are we calling forward with our words?

For the sake of the children,

Karine