Author Jerry Jenkins is one of the most prolific writers of our day. Jenkins has written over 200 books that have sold over 75 million copies. As passionate as he is about writing and publishing, he is just as passionate about mentoring individuals in the art of writing. Evidence of that passion is his provision of free writing and publishing tips through various websites. I am deeply grateful for the help he has been to me.
One tutorial stands out. In a document entitled 249 Powerful Verbs, Jenkins coaches writers to avoid weak verbs and to use power verbs instead. For example, he urges writers to use verbs that can stand alone without requiring an adverb to generate power. As illustration, instead of writing, “the fox ran quickly through the forest”, write, “the fox dashed through the forest.” To help writers, Jenkins provides a list of 249 power verbs. Examples: bash, blast, crash, crush, expose, glare, ignite, mystify, plunge, reverberate, shatter, and transform.1
As I reviewed this list recently, I concluded some power verbs did not make his list. For example, I think “ignore” should be on the list. Ignore carries so much more power than “pay no attention to.” Oxford Online Dictionary captures that power this way: “to refuse to take notice of or to acknowledge; to disregard intentionally.” That intentional disregard is illustrated in advice a pastor friend of mine received from a seasoned older pastor. After my friend unloaded his frustration over a difficult person in his life and ministry, the older pastor responded, “Richard, there are some things in life you simply need to treat with “ig-NOR-ance.” Notice he didn’t say “ignorance” – the absence of knowledge and information, but “ig-NOR-ance” – the intentional disregard of someone or something.
The exercise of the power of “ig-NOR-ance” is a two-edged sword. To intentionally disregard someone or something can help you or hurt you – even endanger you. For example, to ignore RR crossing warnings or a “Bridge Out Ahead” sign can be deadly. To ignore wise counsel regarding weaknesses in your character can lead to relational or professional suicide. On the other hand, to ignore unjustified criticism can help you manage your emotional health and bring you peace. Renowned philosopher Charlie Brown of the Peanut cartoon series was spot on when he said, “The less you respond to rude, critical, argumentative people, the more peaceful your life will become.”
Wisdom is knowing which side of the sword to use or is currently being used. But where does such wisdom reside? Proverbs 1:7 reminds us it resides in the heart and mind of God. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:20-33 remind us that this wisdom is available to us. These verses also remind us of the foolishness involved in treating God’s wisdom with “ig-NOR-ance.”
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored [author’s emphasis] all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
These words to the wise should be sufficient.
1249 Power Verbs. Copywrite 2017 Jerry B. Jenkins
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