Nonverbal communication is the
message we send through actions, appearance, tone, and posture. The Bible uses descriptions of nonverbal
communication to help us relate to people in ancient times and understand instructions
in God’s word.
To show how powerful nonverbal
communication can be, let’s change one word in a very well-known verse. Walking
in the Bible is related to steadfast faith, obedience, and consistent progress.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
How does the meaning of this verse change if you just
replace the word “walk”?
Even though I run through the valley of
the shadow of death…
Even though I crawl through the valley
of the shadow of death…
Even though I skip through the valley
of the shadow of death…
Or, maybe just two words?
Even though I sit in the valley of the
shadow of death…
Even though I sleep in the valley of
the shadow of death…
These descriptions give a completely different picture.
Even though I weep and wail in
the valley of the shadow of death…
Even though I sing praises in
the valley of the shadow of death…
The use of nonverbal
communication in the Bible allows us to intuitively understand the situation. We can picture someone confidently walking
through the trials of this earth. The
picture is drastically changed if the person is described as running, sitting,
or crying.
Learning to watch for, and make
note of nonverbal clues in the Bible will greatly impact your understanding of,
and appreciation for God’s word.
Body Language in the Bible - Now available on amazon.com
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