Seth Hyatt is a senior at Karl G Maeser Preparatory.

My Freshman year of high school held some of my proudest moments in life, like turning one of the most popular girls in school down for a date because I thought I was too young. The year also held some of my most embarrassing moments, such as when I switched the word loathe with lust during a class conversation. Those two simple words completely changed the dynamic of my intent. It was then and there I learned the importance of words.

Since the first dawn, man has struggled and fought to get his way — like a toddler stomping her feet because she, not Jimmy, wanted the teddy bear. Men have had a more cordial and charismatic way of argument, but the premise is essentially the same. Men debate topics constantly, only to prove their point is better than their opponent’s. The victor is typically chosen based on criteria such as captivation or persuasion. This makes it extremely important for the knowledge of words: how to use them to your advantage.

However, regardless of skill of speech, knowledge of language, or manipulation of words, talking does not matter without action following accordingly. A man who says one thing and proceeds to do another is dubbed a hypocrite and is therefore a pariah to society. Winston Churchill once said, “The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish squirting out ink.”

Who wishes to be a hypocrite? A pariah? A cuttlefish? … That’s what I thought. Now the question becomes: how do we avoid becoming such things? Before anything else, we must understand, words are the most powerful tool in our arsenal. The way we say something and the words we select is what is important.

Words cannot be taken back. Once said, they are never redacted without consequence. In anti-bullying seminars we hear saying sorry doesn’t repair the damage dealt by the verbal abuse. We have to watch what we say. Similarly, the same caution must be taken before making an oath, presenting a speech, or even stating beliefs.

As soon as the words slip through your lips, you are bound to them. Those words spoken now define you, instead of the inverse. You are forever held to your word. Whether by law enforcement due to committing perjury, or by society due to more simple hypocrisy, penalties must, and will, be dealt.

Much like any other crime, lying and insincerity are also crimes. These crimes, rather than harming another, harm the culprit. Consistent, pathological lying damages the ability to feel sincerity and restricts the liar’s emotional capabilities. This personal suffering may be enough for average societal members. However, those of a higher order must be held to more punishment.

Those caught in lies while under oath or while serving in any public or private offices must be subject to further consequence. Others have counted on them to be honest and accountable. When that trust is broken, the one responsible loses all accountability and the people cease to believe them. With that relationship diminished, what purpose do they have remaining in office? When no one believes what you say, why say anything at all?

Again, speech is the most powerful tool we have. The importance of attentiveness to the words we use and the tone we place behind them cannot be overstated. Before you say something, make sure you have no intention of opposing your words with action now or ever in the future. Previous to acting, take measures to ensure you have not said anything to the contrary. I hope these words rest well with you and you will see the power behind what you can say.