How.

  There's a speech given by Job (26:1-4) that should provide us all with a basis to rethink and judge what and how and why we choose what we say: "How have you helped him who is without power? How have you saved the arm that has no strength? How have you counseled one who has no wisdom? And how have you declared sound advice to many? To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit came from you?" (NKJV, italics mine) All legitimate questions. And ones we need to seriously consider, especially if we (or others) set up ourselves as the advice-giver. How.

  Typically 'how' questions make us a bit uneasy basically because they can come very close to home. We do and say things so unthinkingly at times; without consideration of the ripples from our words, advice and/or behavior. In my world of words and definitions, 'how' is the mate to 'why'. Why is our motivation, the frame of reference from which we act and react and 'how' is the method we use to express our why. Are you aware of your 'how's'? Obviously we use a variety of them to express our whys. But do we take the time, in our reflective times, to consider our 'how's'? My guess would be no. Since our how's are reflective of our why's - we need to be intentional and not unthinkingly.

  If you think I'm beating a dead horse... I'm not. The scripture that tells us that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak should be a wake-up call! Jesus speaking: "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 12:36-37). I don't know about you but once I read and understood what was being said I've tried to be more alert to the idle words I speak - and that is my lesson.

  How we speak lets everyone know whether or not we are attempting to provide 'good conversation' or information or whether we simply enjoy the sound of our own voice. Harsh? I don't think so. If more of us would be conscious of how we say what we say then I believe there would be fewer mix messages. If communication is our goal then 'how' takes on greater significance. Then again... it depends on your definition of words in your world.