Context

The only thing that the writer has in his or her toolbox are words. But right out of the gate there is a decision to make.  Since "only thing" is singular shouldn't I use the singular verb "is" instead of "are?" Although it would be grammatically correct  for me to use "is", the rule is that in some cases the predicate dictates the verb and not the subject.  In this case it just sounds better to use "are" and it makes more sense.

Actually, it's not true that a writer only has words at his or her disposal.  The words the reader sees do not start out as words.  The text starts out as thoughts, emotions, and memories. The writer has to process all of that in the crucible of intent to produce the final words. The most difficult part of this conversion is that the words are devoid of facial expression and voice inflection.  The words are frozen on the page.  Good luck with that.

And although much is lost in translation from that intent to the words the writer chooses, much can be lost in the transfer from the writer to the reader.  The same word in the English language can have several meanings.  The letters and words only have meaning in context of the sentence. Take the word "bass", for example.  If the bass is a fish then it is pronounced with a short ''a".  Or in another context a "bass" could be a man who sings the low part in a choir. This bass would be pronounced with a long "a".  The reader only knows which one by its context.

But the  disconnect of meaning while reading is not the only problem. If the text is read aloud then there can be a disconnect of hearing.  The text may be referring to a "second bass", which is the lowest male part in a choir, but the listener hears "second base" and wanders off to last night's baseball game. A chemist listening to the text may start thinking about the reaction that involved a base and not an acid.

Another context is the context of language. Your next door neighbor may be Richard Wagner, pronounced rihcherd wagner, But if someone  is referring to the famous German composer then Richard Wagner is pronounced rihckard vahgner.  You wouldn't want to tell your classical musician friend that you've been listening to rihcherd wagner's Ring Cycle or you will be judged.

Then there is the context of culture (and the lack thereof). This morning in a waiting room I overheard a man say on his phone "she's been bakkair nearlianair.'  Most of us would have said "She's been back there nearly an hour" but that is the way he chose to convey the message. And I feel quite sure the message was understood. But if I needed to quote the man in writing, the previous transliteration would be correct.

So what is the metaphor here or the life application? Words are tricky. Don't expect someone reading the same thing you read to understand it the same way. I have heard so many people say, for example, " I just do what the Bible says." In reality all she should say  "I do what the Bible says to me." There is no way in heaven this person knows what the Bible says to someone else.  Another application is to not expect people to understand exactly what you meant to say in speech or in writing. It is not possible that all the words and phrases will be heard and understood as you intended. Don't be surprised when someone gets upset with you for something you never intended to say. Words are pregnant with meaning and they are born with unintended consequences.

The definition of "words" includes that they are written or spoken with a space on either side. So give other people space.  Give them the benefit of the doubt. Give them another chance to explain what they meant by what they said. And give yourself time to understand what they said before drawing any conclusions.  Wars and friendships are started and ended with words. The more careful we are with the words we choose to write or to say, the more friendships and the less wars we will start.