Inner man and our Speech
Part B
There is a saying, “God whispers, but in
pain He shouts.” Often in pain, when we have no one to turn to, our hearts
are stilled, brain searches for relief and willing to listen to God.
In
our electronic age of endless information, and communication, our language,
words and even grammar is not given much attention to. It is very easy to
forget the impact of words on human brain.
We often treat language as a
simple tool for sharing information. But fail to realize that the choice of
words has the potential to shift someone’s emotional and mental quotient. This
can influence their physical well-being, and even rewire their brain. We also
fail to realize that our own words have effect on our system as well.
Here
we are discussing about our speech; how we speak to ourselves and our
neighbors. One of the gateways to our brain is our mouth! Neuroscience has
shown that our words are not just abstract sounds or symbols; and they are more
than that. They are actually biological events; which can affect us, our inner
man, and our being itself!
We have to remember that, positive language is not just how we speak, it is more than that. In
fact it is how we teach the brain to
hope, heal, and believe for good days to come.
This is more than a poetic idea. It’s a measurable, scientific reality.
And when we begin to understand the neuroscience behind language, we can start
using our words intentionally — as tools for healing, growth, and emotional
resilience.[1]
When we are
conflicted, confronted, confused and confounded, God is our only refuge and
shelter. He is the only One who is able to bring us out of our confusion and
instill within us the strength necessary for those situations.
This means God is the only one who can calm our mental storm.
“Many conflicts arise not because the issues
separating the parties are so great but because of the temperaments people
bring to a confrontation.” (Garrett)
Today
we are in the neuro-divergent world. Often, when humans believe a lie, their
basic assumptions are built on this. Their belief first of all is incorrect;
and hence the assumptive truth and the actions will be incorrect as well.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of
gold in pictures of silver; Prov. 25: 11.
And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God;
Rom. 12:2.
The right word at the right time has
power to heal and strengthen, to guide and rescue. This is also an excellent
skill to be able to time a word. Through a
process called neuroplasticity, new neural connections are formed throughout life, even to
old age and grey hair. This means that our habitual patterns of thought and
speech are not set in stone, but in the tablet of our heart and mind and they
can be reshaped.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh; Ez. 36: 26.
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you; Isa. 45: 26.
Mathew Henry writes: The psychosomatic effects of sin are more readily seen in, “I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. LORD, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee” Psa. 38:8-9. David said that he felt as though he was benumbed and thoroughly bruised.
Researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have seen striking differences in how the brain responds to positive versus negative language.
Positive words tend to activate the frontal lobes, which are involved in problem-solving, emotional regulation, and forward planning. This means that hearing or speaking uplifting words can literally open your mind to new ideas and solutions.[2]
Negative words, on the other hand, tend to trigger the amygdala and dampen activity in the frontal lobes. In simple terms, this puts the brain into “survival mode” rather than “creative mode.” Your body prepares for threat, releasing stress hormones that can stay in your system for hours. If this happens repeatedly, your baseline stress levels rise, making anxiety and burnout more likely.[3]
God does indeed give liberally. “He gives according to his excellent greatness; as Alexander the Great gave a poor man a city; and when he modestly refused it as too great for him, Alexander answered, Non quaero quid te accipere deceat, sed quid me dare, The business is not what thou are fit to receive, but what it becometh me to give.” (Trapp).
Research
shows that living peaceably reduces the stress hormones, the cortisol and
increases emotional regulation.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men; Rom. 12: 18.
When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to response in harshness with anger as well. Wisdom literature shows us the value of a soft answer, the response without sharp edges and harshness. That kind of answer can actually turn away wrath; and the issues can be settled wisely.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous
words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the
mouth of fools poureth out foolishness;
Prov. 15: 1-2.
Here, the
writer explains that a soft answer is the wiser choice to respond to a problem. Wise often will show
their right use of knowledge by the words they say;
and with the temperament in which they express without hurting the other. The
words of the wise and their tongue demonstrate
their wisdom, heavenly and bring healing and restoration to people around.
[3] The neuroscience of positive language and mental health:
How …
14 Aug 2025 · Neuroscience research shows
that repeated patterns of speech — especially self-talk — can physically alter
brain structure through neuroplasticity. If you regularly use …
https://careandselflove.com/positive-language-neuroscience/
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