The Power Of Your Words
Understanding the Weight of What We Say
Knowing that our words have power should awaken a deep sense of responsibility in us. Many people realize, to some degree, that their words can sway situations—whether by intimidating others through harsh tones, manipulating outcomes, or even frightening someone into submission. Some also understand that words can breathe life, inspire courage, and propel someone toward their destiny.
Yet few grasp just how profoundly our words shape not only the lives of others but our own spiritual landscape. This is why it’s crucial to seek the Lord’s guidance on how we use our mouths.
You might wonder, “Why bother? Shouldn’t I just speak my mind?” But the truth is, our words can either bless or wound, build up or tear down. When we use our words to cause fear, diminish someone’s worth, or manipulate, those very words have a way of returning to us—often with painful consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Words That Please God
The psalmist prayed:
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.
This means our speech should never simply react to the situation in front of us. Instead, it should be filtered through a heart that seeks God’s approval. Because we are called to be Christ-like, our words must reflect Him.
James warns us pointedly:
James 3:10
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
When we use our tongues to bless others, we invite blessings into our own lives. But careless or harsh words do the opposite.
The Lasting Impact of Words
If you question the power of words, think back to something spoken over you as a child—especially a negative word that may have shaped how you see yourself even now. Words have the ability to echo into adulthood, steering us away from God’s best.
Deuteronomy 30:19
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
Our words are an opportunity to choose life—not just for ourselves, but for generations.
Guarding Our Mouths
You might say, “I want God to help me so I don’t hurt others with my words.” That’s a wise prayer, because harsh words don’t just harm others—they often harm us even more deeply.
James 1:19-20
Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Words spoken hastily or in anger can create an atmosphere we later regret. James gives a sobering image:
James 3:6
The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness... setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
This alone should cause us to pause—maybe even close our mouths until we’re sure we’re speaking life.
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Checking Our Speech
As we bring countless concerns before God in prayer, we must also ask Him to help us with our words. If we neglect this area, we risk blind spots—tearing others down, sowing discord, or hindering our own breakthrough without even realizing it.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
This verse gives us the simple but profound standard for every situation: gracious, thoughtful, seasoned speech.
Speaking From a Place of Victory
Revelation paints the picture of spiritual triumph:
Revelation 12:10-11
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
We can’t afford to give the enemy room by careless speech. Victory comes when we align our words with God’s truth—declaring His promises and testifying of His power.
Matthew 18:18
Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Our mouths can keep us in bondage—or set us free. If we desire breakthrough, we must guard our words and intentionally use them to declare life.
A Prayer for Our Words
May we daily invite God to examine and transform our speech. Let our words build, heal, and release God’s purposes—not only in our lives but in everyone we encounter.