Speaking life is a biblical concept that refers to using our words to impart blessing, encouragement, and positivity into the lives of others. The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words and how we should use our speech to build others up, rather than tear them down.
Here are some key principles from Scripture about what it means to speak life:
Our Words Have Power
The Bible emphasizes that our words are not empty, but rather they have real power and effects. Proverbs 18:21 states “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words can bring death by putting others down, spreading negativity, and destroying relationships. But they can also bring life by speaking hope, truth, and love to build others up (Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 15:4).
Jesus said that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our words reveal what is really inside of us. That’s why He warns us that on judgement day, we will give account even for every “careless word” we have spoken (Matthew 12:36).
So we need to be aware of the weight our words carry. We can use them like a weapon to inflict harm, or like a gift to encourage and uplift. We should be intentional about how we wield this power.
Speak Words of Blessing
Rather than words of criticism or negativity, Scripture calls us to intentionally speak words of blessing into others’ lives. For example, we read:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:8-10)
Our instinct may be to grumble, judge, and complain. But God’s Word challenges us to speak words that will minister grace and build others up, not tear them down.
Speak Life Through Encouragement
An important way we can speak life to others is through encouragement. The Bible often urges us to exhort and motivate one another towards love and good deeds through uplifting speech.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Speaking words of validation, affirmation, comfort, and motivation breathes life into those around us. Our speech should aim to stir others towards greater faithfulness and hope.
Speak God’s Truth in Love
While our words should be uplifting, that does not mean shying away from speaking truth. However, Scripture emphasizes doing so with the right heart motivation and tone.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” (Ephesians 4:15)
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
We can grow in balancing speaking difficult truths people need to hear with doing so in a loving, gentle, graceful tone. This edifies rather than tears down.
Avoid Sins of the Tongue
The Bible warns strongly against sins of the tongue that utilize words destructively rather than helpfully. We should guard our mouths against…
- Lying: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9)
- Slander/Gossip: “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” (Proverbs 20:19)
- Cursing: “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
Rather than misusing our words this way, we can choose to “speak the truth in love” in a way that gives “grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:15,29).
Think Before You Speak
Since our words carry so much weight, we should be intentional about carefully considering what we say rather than reacting rashly. The Bible advises:
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19)
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19)
Wisdom pauses before blurting things out carelessly. We can train ourselves to think carefully about what we say and the impact our words will have.
Watch Your Heart
At the root, speaking life isn’t just about what comes out of our mouths but the condition of our hearts. Jesus said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).
So we need to guard our hearts against bitterness, envy, pride, anger and other fruits of sin that poison our speech. As we cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and other godly traits, our mouths will overflow with words of life.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35)
Monitoring our heart condition and realigning it with God’s truth is essential to speaking words that build others up.
Trust the Holy Spirit
On our own, we will struggle to tame the tongue (James 3:8). But part of the saving work of Jesus Christ is freeing us from the curse of sinful, destructive speech.
As we walk by the Spirit, He produces His fruit in us (Galatians 5:16-26). This includes enabling us to speak from a heart of love rather than one ruled by our flesh.
We can ask the Holy Spirit each day for wisdom in our speech and rely on His power to transform us further into Christ’s image.
Speak Life to Yourself Too
Learning to speak words of grace and truth applies not only in how we bless others but also in how we talk to ourselves. God’s Spirit can help us replace self-criticism and doubt with speaking Scripture’s promises to ourselves.
The Bible says “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). We need daily encouragement from God’s Word reoriented around our identity in Christ, not our fleshly insecurities.
Speaking life aligns our self-talk with God’s affirming truth that we are His beloved, called, and empowered children.
Practical Ways to Speak Life
Putting these principles into practice may look like:
- Choosing uplifting, positive, and grace-filled words
- Encouraging others through verbal affirmation and feedback
- Sharing inspirational truths from Scripture that motivate to godliness
- Avoiding gossip, lies, put-downs, slurs, or condemnations
- Pausing and praying before reacting in anger or dispute
- Owning and apologizing for hurtful words after the fact
- Reminding myself of God’s love and promises when I’m struggling
Speaking life ultimately flows from a transformed heart – it’s not just about policing our words. But as Scripture renews our minds and the Spirit empowers us, we can grow in speaking words that build others up and reflect Christ’s light.
The Rewards of Speaking Life
Why go through the effort to monitor our speech and speak words of blessing? Here are some motives Scripture gives:
- It honors Christ and reflects His character (Ephesians 4:29-32)
- It obeys God’s command for how to use our words (James 3:10, Ephesians 4:29)
- It serves and builds up others (Ephesians 4:29)
- It improves and enhances relationships (Proverbs 16:24)
- It avoids the destructiveness of divisive speech (Proverbs 16:28)
- It demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23)
- It protects our own souls from judgment (Matthew 12:36-37)
In summary, speaking words of life blesses others and ourselves when we follow these principles from God’s Word. As Scripture renews our minds and the Spirit renews our hearts, we can grow in using our speech to build up rather than tear down.
Words have immense power, and God wants us to use our words carefully and intentionally for good. Let’s embrace the challenge and privilege of learning to speak life – both to others and ourselves.