I’m pretty sure this nugget will be clearly misunderstood! If you missed it, I just used an oxymoron (“clearly misunderstood”)—a combination of contradictory or incongruous words. Unless used for dramatic effect or to add flavor to a speech, oxymorons make no logical sense. Examples: Definitely maybe, pretty ugly, original copy, exact estimate, half pregnant, negative growth, and living dead. Religious and political oxymorons include: unbelieving faith, kosher pork, unforgiving Christian, Sunday Sabbath, joyful noise, Christian Yoga, rules of war, honesty in politics, African democracy, United Nations. Can you think of more? “Let your yea be yea…” (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12) or yours is a truthful lie.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 