The function of language is to signify; that is, to express reality in words.
Its function is to encode in order to be decoded.
Therefore, language must be clear, concrete and fair.
Because language expresses what it means, without ambiguity or misinterpretation.
Therefore, in order to describe reality or conceptualize internal emotions that we suffer, we must be careful with which words we express them.
The success or failure of this lies in the material you have chosen to conceptualize what you suffer from.
This process is done within, in our inner world.
It is necessary to remember Seneca, who thought that, in the encounter with the other, through our dialogues, we transmit ourselves: “Conversation is the expression of our way of thinking”.
Thus, our conversations should be the biographical testimony of our thinking.
“Conversation is the expression of our way of thinking.” (Seneca)
We must not forget that words say what we have inside us.
When we feel that our words are the result of a misinterpretation and become offensive, vulgar, bitter or hurtful, let us stop talking and consider why.
Maybe we have a problem and it is necessary to identify and examine it.
The book of Proverbs warns: “Anguish of heart depresses, but a good word revives” (Prov 12:25).
In the same way, we must take into account the recommendation of Jesus Christ, who indicated to his audience that words are tools that reveal the goodness or badness of the heart: “A good man brings good things out of his good inner treasure; an evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure. For out of the overflowing of the heart the mouth speaks” (Lk 6:44).
“The anguish of the heart depresses, a good word revives” (Prov 12:25).
Likewise, we must avoid easy judgments and living under clichés.
It seems unbelievable, but many people live under these concepts.
They judge people very easily, and not only that, but they let themselves be carried away by prejudices, preconceptions and clichés.
What is striking is that they do not realize that in doing so they pervert the truth and misread reality.
The author of the book of Proverbs is convinced of the power of words, hence his lapidary sentence: “For what one speaks, he will be satisfied; for what one does, he will be repaid” (Prov 12:14).
If we allow ourselves to be carried away by this erroneous interpretation and decide about people or situations related to them, we will be committing a terrible injustice.
Here another recommendation of Jesus Christ comes in handy: ” Judge not, and you will not be judged. As you judge, you will be judged. The measure you use to measure will be used against you” (Mt 7:1).