A MEDITATION ON LÀM NHIỀU HƠN NÓI (DO MORE THAN SAY)

Kiều Lan June 15, 2024

The Vietnamese proverb, "Làm nhiều hơn nói", resonates deeply within the teachings of the Bible. It's a call to action, a nudge towards a truth that transcends cultures and languages: our worth is measured not by the eloquence of our pronouncements, but by the solidity of our deeds.

The Bible overflows with examples of this principle. James, in his brief epistle, cuts through the fluff of empty words with a piercing question: "What use is it, my brethren, to say you have faith when you don't prove it by your actions?" (James 2:14) Faith, he argues, must be a living thing, a wellspring that overflows into deeds of service and sacrifice.

Even the grand pronouncements of scripture are grounded in action. In the Gospel of John, Jesus doesn't simply utter beautiful sermons about love. He washes the feet of his disciples, a symbolic act of humility and service that overshadows even the most stirring speech. (John 13:4-17)

Our actions hold a weight that words often lack. Words can be fleeting, carried away on the wind, misinterpreted or twisted. But actions leave an imprint on the world, a testament to the sincerity of our hearts. They are the brushstrokes that paint a vivid picture of our character, far more powerful than any self-serving pronouncements.

This doesn't diminish the importance of words altogether. The Bible is, after all, a book – a collection of divinely inspired words. But the words in scripture are not mere pronouncements; they are seeds, meant to be planted and cultivated into a life that bears fruit.

Perhaps the most potent example is Christ himself, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Jesus wasn't just a divine speaker; he was the embodiment of God's love, a living testament to the power of action. His teachings were woven into the very fabric of his being, evident in every act of healing, compassion, and forgiveness.

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the performance of piety. We can become experts at crafting religious rhetoric, all the while neglecting the practical implications of our faith. But true faith, as James reminds us, is a verb, not a noun. It's evidenced in the way we treat those around us, the choices we make, and the sacrifices we offer.

So, let us strive to embody the spirit of "Làm nhiều hơn nói." Let our actions be the loudest sermon we preach, a testament to the transformative power of our faith. For it is in the quiet hum of our deeds that the true weight of our character is revealed.