The Power of Words

The Power of Words (Proverbs 18:21)

Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

James 3:5, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? Have you ever been helped by someone’s words? This verse is talking about the two powers our tongues have. We all have a choice in the matter, to break down or to build up.

I. Our words can produce sweetness.
Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 10:11a, “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life…”

Proverbs 12:18b, “…but the tongue of the wise is health.”

II. Our words have the power of a stab.
When we are not careful with our tongues, our words are like stabbing someone in the heart with a sword.
Proverbs 12:18a, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

Sometimes we pretend to be kind with our words, we use flattery, but we are being dishonest and are ready to harm others with our words.
Psalm 55:21, “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”

When we choose to use harsh words, we stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Yet the tongue also has the power to enrich and edify. Our words can build up and bless those we love. Consider the kinds of words that should flow from the mouths of Christ-followers.

1. Words of affection. Over and over in our homes, the words “I love you” should be spoken from husband to wife, from wife to husband, from parents to children, from children to parents. Giving voice to our appreciation for those we love is a powerful way to encourage.

2. Words of reconciliation. Not one of us are perfect. We are all fallen, not just in principle but also in practice. Those closest to us know our flaws most clearly. Therefore, we can’t fail to say these series of three words: “I am sorry”, “I was wrong”, “Please forgive me”.

3. Words of vision. When we speak words of vision over our children, we give them a glimpse of how effective their lives can be. “You will do something great with your life”, “God is going to use you in an amazing way”, and “You can make a difference in this world”. Words of vision build hope and confidence.

4. Words of security. Children need to hear that they are loved and accepted unconditionally regardless of what they do. We speak truths over them that communicate their absolute belonging, such as “I love you always and forever”, and “You will be mine forever!” With our words, we can impress on our children’s hearts a sense of how God loves them. Let’s not choose silence when our words can make an enriching difference. Proverbs 3:27, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”

Your words have power!
1. Lord, please make my words and the thoughts of my heart acceptable in Your sight. Psalm19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

2. Lord, please keep me from speaking when what I say could get me in trouble. Proverbs 21:23, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

3. Lord, help me not to sin with my mouth. Psalm 17:3b, “…I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”

4. Lord, please keep my words focused on praising You and pointing others to You. Psalm 71:15, “My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.”

5. Please fill my heart with your Word so that my tongue will speak your Truth in my conversations. Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

6. Help me to share your Words that bring eternal life. John 6:68, “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

7. Help me speak words that build up others. Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Points to Ponder:
Your life can heal or hurt others.
Your life can encourage or discourage somebody else.
Your life can have a positive influence or negative impact upon another person.

Questions to Consider:
Which area are you strongest?
Why is that most natural to you?
In which area do you most need to improve?
What message do you want your loved ones to hear from you?

Prayer, Father God, forgive me for withholding good words from those I love. Forgive me for wielding my words as a weapon. I’m sorry. Cleanse my heart and my tongue. Help me speak soul-edifying words. Even if it feels unnatural, teach me to say “I love you” and “I’m sorry” freely to those You’ve given me. I want my words to communicate unconditional love and security, and I want You to speak a vision for my loved ones’ lives through me. Redeem my words, I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

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