The Latin phrase, ‘Acta non verba’ means ‘Deeds, not words’. It is used to make it clear that you don't kindly suffer those whose behavior doesn't match their words. It is an easy way to make it clear that you won't stand for lip service.
Lip service is ‘something proffered but not performed, service with the lips only. It is an insincere profession of good will. Offshoot terms in same sense was ‘lip-labour’, ‘lip-wisdom’ (the wisdom of those who do not practice what they preach), ‘lip-religion’, ‘lip-devotion’ (prayer without genuine faith or desire) and ‘lip-comfort’.
The term ‘lip service’ is first recorded in ‘A treatise against witchcraft’ by Henry Holland. The second instance is found in ‘A Saint or a Brute. The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness’, by Richard Baxter. In the Introduction, he quotes Jesus from Gospel of Matthew: ‘This people draweth near me with their lips, but in their hearts are far from me’
It is deeds that truly reflect true intentions and convictions. Mere statements mean nothing if not backed by aligned actions. Often people agree and concur but they may not walk the talk. It is clear hypocrisy of refusal to practice what we preach. We must keep away from the pretence of lip service.
Walk the way about what you say…
Lip service is integrity
gone astray!
- Pravin K Sabnis
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