December 12, 2023

Speaking Truth in a True Way, the Gracious Wife and Charles Swinnock

ONE Thought (from us)

Some clichés are cliché because they’re true. One such cliché is this: it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Of course, what you say matters, but also the manner in which you say it. Consider the following examples of how emphasis changes the meaning of a sentence:

  1. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (Then who did?)

  2. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (I bought nothing.)

  3. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (They’re stolen.)

  4. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (Whose wife then?)

  5. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (Then who are they for?)

  6. I didn’t buy my wife flowers. (I got her something else.)

Just by changing the emphasis of the word, the implied meaning of the sentence changes. Mature communicators understand this, and wise husbands and wives are intentional with the ways and means with which they say true things. To go deeper on this topic, check out this week’s podcast episode.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”
(1 John 4:9)


ONE Quote (from another)

“A gracious wife satisfies a good husband, and silences a bad one.”

– George Swinnock


ONE Question (for you)

How can you be more intentional with the manner in which you communicate to your spouse?


As mentioned, we talked about this topic in this week’s podcast episode. Be sure to watch or listen to get the full discussion.

Much love and stay fierce!

Ryan & Selena Frederick
Founders of Fierce Marriage