Dictionary. Is It Worthless

I will invariably spell something wrong if I don't go to my Webster's Unabridged Dictionary when writing.  Why do I look it up and not use my auto correct, I ask.  I suspect, because I seem to remember the word's spelling and full meaning more if I reflect on it for a moment or two.  Some times I will even decide to use one of it's synonyms perhaps thinking it may fit the occasion better. On occasion I will try finding a word I "know" exists (unlike being reprimanded for laying down letters that just sound good when planning Scrabble) but it is no where to be found in the dictionary. I've learned that Webster's "unabridged" is a funny word to find in the title of his dictionary. But then in his case, he used the term as more of a claim of thoroughness than of sovereignty, as if to say, "We are the most complete dictionary of our class," and not, "Herein lies the comprehensive listing of all known words." I have read that the team of individuals working toward the task of composing or updating a dictionary knows better than most that a complete and unabridged glossary of terms simply isn't possible. I accept he premise of one book could not house every word in the English language. Moreover, it could hardly keep up with the claim; new words are forever emerging: "Scratchiti" (words or images engraved or etched illegally into surfaces in a public place) and "ludology" (the study of video games and game playing) or "Segway" (an invented word based on segue or a two-wheeled motorized personal vehicle consisting of a platform for the feet mounted above an axle and an upright post surmounted by handles.  Why did I think of being cute and using the word to describe transporting a thought?  Most likly because I heard someone else use it and thought it "cool." However I've found these three terms have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary, not to mention the ever-growing host of new medical and technological terms. But I'm really am not so much into new words as to fork out the $250, yearly subscription.  Anyway, according to Webster Online, words also occasionally "die" from lack of use. It seems the world of words is evidently a vast and active place.

Now, I "segway" to the time God told Moses to speak with the people of Israel under slavery in Egypt, Moses didn't have the words for the task. "O Lord," he pleaded, "I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." At which God responded, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But still Moses asked God to send someone else to do it.(recorded in Exodus 4)

There have been various times during my life and more often now, at my age, when I relate to Moses' heartfelt plea. I think it still interesting as to some years ago there were several surveys that pointed out that fear of public speaking ranked higher as a phobia than death for the majority of people. When I think I might have to  "speak for God, my anxiety level goes off the chart. But many of the prophets chosen by God to be His voice among the people spoke of the weight of such a task, coupled with the concern of speaking to a world that didn't want to hear. Each time the prophet was reminded similarly: The God who set the world in place with a word will surely put the words in your mouth. Jesus likewise instructed the disciples in their ministering, "Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."

This vast and daunting world of words is met with my thought that God is yet the giver of words and wisdom. Whether speaking for God or of God—or speaking at all—all wisdom is God's wisdom. My wisdom won't buy anyone a ten cent cup of coffee! I'm remembering what St. Paul asked the people in Ephesus, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." O' let the words of my mouth be pleasing in God's ears is my and lead me again and again to His Word. "Remain in me," said Jesus to the disciples before He went to the cross, "and let my words remain in you." His words are more vast and active than any dictionary, wisdom unabridged. Even the Oxford English.

Father, God, You have spoken and asked me to speak, offering wisdom in person in the Son, and the assurance that I am heard by the Father, and the promise of the Spirit to help me with the words. Thank You, God who set the world in place with words, still speaks to me. Amen