The Power of Words

The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Anonymous

When I was a kid, this little ditty – “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – was bandied around. It was just a sing-song rhyme that children repeated. However, years later I realized that this was incorrect. In fact, words sometimes can hurt us much more deeply than physical pain. 

We use lots of words every day (20,000 for the average woman; 7,000 for the average man), so using words in harmful ways – or even committing sin through our speech – is virtually unavoidable.

God, in his great wisdom, knows this about us, so He provides many Scriptures to highlight the battle we face in choosing to use our words wisely and well. More than 100 verses describe the verbal power we have to curse or to bless; to tear down or to build up. 

Using our words properly does not always come easy. We don’t always instinctively make the right choice about what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. And so – because we face this battle – God tells us in Proverbs 21:23, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” You see, God knows that what we say often comes from deep within us. In fact, what we say usually reflects more about us than about those who listen to us. 

For example, when we use our words to express anger or annoyance toward others, often we are giving voice to the pain that lies deep within our own heart and soul. Unfortunately, at times like this, our words become weapons. As our hurtful speech penetrates the heart of the person listening to us, all we really have done is to add to their pain without healing our own. We even can drive them away from God. 

Conversely, when we use our words to express God’s favor and blessing toward others, often we are giving voice to the joy that lies deep within our own heart and soul. At times like this, our words become a balm. As our uplifting speech penetrates the heart of the person listening to us, we help to ease their burdens and pains. We even can draw them toward God.

Which of these ways of speaking most accurately describes you and me, most of the time? 

Which style of speaking – building up or tearing down – is our default?

If you find that criticism and tearing down are your norm, then I invite you to create new habits and patterns of speaking. To find new words to say and new ways to use those words to bless others. 

This is something I continually strive to do. 

And since your words - like mine - reflect what is in your mind and heart and soul, then one way to do this is to be intentional about filling yourself more often with that which is good. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:8,“whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things and the God of peace will be with you”.

As you fill your mind with these good things, God’s peace will permeate your heart…and then your speech more likely will reflect God’s goodness as it overflows from your life.

Here’s an opportunity to make a choice that moves your faith forward, as you embrace God’s thoughts and God’s heart for others. To move your faith forward, as you equip yourself to express God’s love to others. To show his love by the very words you use.

Let me offer a prayer of blessing as you go out into your day. 

May you grow and become strong in spirit. 

May God fill you with His wisdom, and cause His grace to be upon you.

May you grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

And out of the overflow of your heart and your life, may your words be a blessing to others.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Challenge: This week, focus on something good in every person you interact with during your day. Then let them know what good thing you see in them. Be intentional about using the power of your words to bless the people that God brings into your life. 

I’d love to know how what happened; feel free to post a comment. 

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