The Power of Words
Language is one of the main ways by which we communicate with one another. We use words to express our thoughts, ideas and emotions. We can use our words to either build up or tear down both ourselves and each other.
The Bible has a lot to say about the power of words, so let’s dive right in.
Proverbs 18:21 - Life Changing Impact of Your Words
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Words are containers of power. They carry the power to bless and the power to curse. God Himself used words to set the universe in motion (Genesis 1:3). If God uses His words to create, then we also have that same ability.
Ephesians 4:29 - Building Others up with Your Words
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
It is very commonplace in our world to gossip and slander others. But as believers, we are called to use our words to bless and uplift others.
2 Corinthians 4:13 - The Impact of Declaring God’s Word
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.
It is so critical that we not only read God’s word in our heads but that we also declare it out of our mouths. I often speak out God’s promises over myself and others because of the faith that is in my heart. Just as it is the case when we are saved that we believe in our hearts and consequently confess with our mouths (Rom. 10:9-10), so also I believe in my heart that God will fulfill His promises and therefore speak it out as if it had already been done.
James 3:5 - The Influence of Your Words
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
James compares the tongue to other small objects that have a significant impact, such as a rudder on a ship. Just as a small rudder steers a ship, the tongue has the ability to influence and shape our lives and the lives of others. James is not only referring to the positive aspects of the tongue but also the negative ones, highlighting the potential for destruction and harm that can come from our words.
James 3:9-10 - Honoring God with Your Words
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
God grieves when we use our words to curse and tear down others. I have struggled with this, and I have learned that it is best to ask the Holy Spirit to give you a conscious awareness of the words that you speak and the impact that they have. When I first discovered that the Bible has a lot to say about what we say, I started to think, “If Jesus was in the room with me, would I say this in front of Him?” Even though Jesus is not physically in the room with me, He lives in me and He knows what I am saying. This new perspective of becoming more aware of His presence enabled me to have the desire of honoring Him with the words that I speak.
Proverbs 12:25 - Healing Power of Kind Words
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Kind words may be just what a person needs to hear. Someone may be going through a difficult circumstance or they may be having a bad day, but some sweet words of encouragement can lighten their mood and take the load off. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are specific words that He would like you to say to them so that they can be blessed.
Proverbs 16:24 - Speaking Gracious Words
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Kind words can make such a positive impact on someone’s life. Someone may remember something nice that someone said to them that may change the way they look at themselves. It is so important that we make the most of every opportunity to be kind to one another. If you see beauty in someone else, speak it out loud over them. In doing so, this will plant a seed into the other person’s heart which has the power to eventually reap a plentiful harvest.
Matthew 12:34 - Heart-Reflecting Nature of Your Words
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Our words have a tremendous impact on ourselves and others. They can be used for blessing or for cursing. It is essential that we are vigilant in regard to what comes out of our mouth. The words that we speak are a direct reflection of what is truly in our hearts.
Here is a Scripture that you can pray to ensure that the words that you speak are honoring to God.
Psalm 19:14 - Prayerful Approach to Your Words
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.