Words Can Breakdown or Build Up!

Words Can Breakdown or Build Up! (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.”

This is because words are powerful, and they can have a great impact either for good or evil. Being careful about what we say can affect others lives, as well as our own. Words can hurt another person deeply if we speak carelessly. This may seem like an extreme statement until we see the end results of what we say to others. Whether we’re deliberately hurtful, or we speak comfort and encouragement, the effect of what we say always comes back to us. Words can hurt, heal, curse, bless, or build up. What a person believes and what they can say can impact the world around them. We all know our world is chaotic and getting more and more corrupt. The words of truth can make the world a better place. These following Scriptures reveal how words can bring life (Proverbs 10:11a; Proverbs 12:18b; Proverbs 16:24; Romans 10:9)

What comes out of your mouth is important and powerful. In fact, it is so powerful that it can lead to death or life. Our tongue has a way of offending people and turning them away from Christ. It is for this reason we are to be careful in what we say. Many people have ruined their reputation and their name by what they have said. God consistently warns us of the power of the tongue (Colossians 4:6; Titus 2:7-8; James 3:2). If you think about it, many of our problems can be traced to what we say, how we say it, or what we don't say. It is easy to offend people with your mouth. It is for this reason Solomon tells us to be very attentive to what we are saying or writing. Proverbs 11:11, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” The wicked destroy others with their tongues. Many cities have been incited to violence and riots by those who have used their tongues to enrage and excite people into rioting. Proverbs 13:3, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” A lack of self control over your tongue will lead to your demise. Why is this? You will say things that you will regret and affect your health. You will say things that will offend people that will create conflict with others. The aftershocks of your words can be absolutely shattering. Many of us have felt the tremors created by our tongue.

Never underestimate the power of words. They can exert great influence in the life of a person. George Wythe was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His virtue, integrity, and character exerted great influence upon Thomas Jefferson. Wythe clung to the principles of liberty and the natural and equal rights of all men. After he became President, Jefferson said of Wythe, "He was my master, my earliest and best friend. To him I am indebted for first impressions which have had the most salutary influence on the course of my life." Jefferson was also highly influenced by the words of Patrick Henry as he debated the Stamp Act which taxed the people. Jefferson was electrified by Henry's fiery words which kindled a flame of patriotism and liberty. Upon hearing Patrick Henry, Jefferson felt compelled to take up the cause of America. Jefferson later in his life referred to this event as the most important day of his life. Words are powerful and influential. They move men, which in turn can move people and a nation. The state of Texas was moved to fight for its independence from Mexico by three little words, "Remember the Alamo!" Those three words reminded them of the price that was paid by the men in the Alamo that bought them time to assemble an army that could defeat Santa Anna. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use them wisely. Realize your words leave a ripple effect. They linger when you are gone, whether they are good or bad.

While on a bus, a woman was obviously irritated and she let loose with a string of unrepeatable swear words. She demanded that the bus stop and let her off. Everyone on the bus seemed to be embarrassed by this woman and her profanity. Everyone was very quiet. As the woman stepped off the bus onto the sidewalk, the bus driver said, "Madam, you left something behind." She turned and asked, "What is it?" The bus driver smiled and said, "Madam, you left behind a very bad impression." Then, he closed the door and drove away. As we go through life, we are always leaving behind an impression. As we journey through life, we are always having an influence which touches others. Your life ripples outward like a smooth stone splashing in a tranquil pond. We are always having an effect upon others, good or bad. It is a fact of life that we can't live without touching people with our lives. Words are important, so choose them wisely. They are tools that can be used to reach your goals. They are so powerful that they influence the destinies of men who are repulsed or influenced by them. They are so important, that we are going to give an account of what we say when we stand before the Lord Jesus Christ. Choose them wisely (Matthew 12:36).

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.
You cannot escape, evade, or elude the concrete fact that your life is going to influence someone else.
The only choice you do have is the kind of impression or influence that you leave in the shadow of your life.

Questions to Consider:
Are you using your words to build up people, or destroy them?
Are they filled with hate or help, bitterness or blessing, complaining or compliments, lust or love, victory or defeat?
What kind of influence are you leaving behind you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Spirit inside me that urges me to “supply what is lacking” in others. How gracious that You choose to use me to help someone You love. Help me to always see that encouraging others is a privilege rather than a burden. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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