Words have immense power according to the Bible. God created the entire universe through His words in Genesis 1. He merely spoke, and everything came into being. This shows the creative potential of words. Our words as humans also have creative power, since we are made in God’s image. We must be careful of the words we speak, as they have the power to create life or destroy it.
Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Our words carry tremendous weight, able to bring either life or death to others and ourselves. Negative, critical, and untrue words spread destruction. Positive, uplifting, and honest words spread life and encouragement. James compares the tongue to a small spark that can set an entire forest ablaze (James 3:5). This illustrates how even small words can have massive impact.
According to Matthew 12:36-37, we will have to give account for every careless word we speak on judgment day. Our words have eternal implications. Jesus says that our words justify or condemn us. If our words reflect a heart submitted to Christ, they justify us. If our words reflect a rebellious heart, they will condemn us.
Ephesians 4:29 provides this guideline: “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.” Our words should impart grace to people. We should avoid harmful speech and instead speak words that build others up.
Colossians 4:6 also gives this exhortation: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Our words should be gracious and thoughtful, tailored to each individual. Salt adds flavor, so our speech should be interesting, not boring or offensive.
Not only should our words build up others, but we should speak words of truth that reflect our identity in Christ. 1 Peter 3:10 says, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” Speaking truthfully aligns our words with our desires to live godly lives.
Proverbs 15:4 says, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Gentle, thoughtful words can bring life and encouragement to others. Harsh, critical, or argumentative words can crush someone’s spirit.
According to Proverbs 15:1-2, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” When we respond gently and thoughtfully, even in the face of anger, we can diffuse wrath. Wisdom should mark our speech, not foolishness.
Proverbs also offers this advice: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19). Sometimes the wisest words are unspoken words. We should think before we speak and not let our tongues run wild.
Words reflect the condition of our heart according to Luke 6:45: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Our words reveal whether our hearts abide in Jesus or not.
Overall, the Bible makes clear that our words carry tremendous power. We are accountable for the words we speak, now and in eternity. Our words should build others up, speak truth, and be wise. When our hearts are submitted to Christ, our words will be life-giving.
In summary, here are some key verses on the power of words:
- Proverbs 18:21 – Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
- Matthew 12:36-37 – Our careless words will be accountable on judgment day.
- Ephesians 4:29 – Words should impart grace and build others up.
- James 3:5 – The tongue is a small spark that sets a forest ablaze.
- Proverbs 15:4 – Gentle words are a tree of life.
- Proverbs 10:19 – Restraining words is wise.
- Luke 6:45 – Words reveal the condition of our heart.
When used correctly, our words have tremendous potential to build up, encourage, and give life. When used carelessly, they can inflict immense damage. As Christians, we must steward our words and use them to reflect the love of Christ.
Jesus Christ is called the Word made flesh (John 1). He perfectly embodies grace and truth in all He says and does (John 1:14). As we abide in Christ, our own words will be transformed to align with His image. Our words will become vessels of grace, uplifting the lowly and offering hope to the hopeless. Our words will testify to the truth of Christ and the redemptive work He accomplished on our behalf.
As we grow in Christ, our speech habits will slowly change. The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old destructive ways of speaking will pass away. New, life-giving speech will spring forth from a renewed mind and heart.
Part of the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Galatians 5:23). The Spirit empowers believers to tame the tongue and steer it away from worthless or harmful speech. He provides both the desire and ability to speak words that minister grace to hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
Scripture urges: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3)! As we saturate our minds with God’s Word, it renews our speech and thoughts to align with His truth (Romans 12:2).
The Bible assures believers: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). That includes the weapons of destructive words from others and ourselves. Through faith in Christ, we have authority to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). As our thoughts align with Jesus, so will our words.
God provides strength to control our tongues. Jesus promises: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil” (Matthew 12:34-35). As our hearts change through participating in God’s divine nature, our words will follow suit.
Scripture even says God’s people have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). As we draw near to Jesus and learn from Him, He transforms and renews our thoughts and speech. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through knowing Him (2 Peter 1:3). His Spirit living within believers enables control over sinful desires like the tongue (Galatians 5:16).
Signs that our hearts are aligning closer with Christ include increased patience, kindness, and self-control over our words. Natural gentleness, compassion, and care for others will flow out in our speech as we abide in God’s love.
In closing, the Bible makes clear the incredible power words have in our lives. Our careful choice of words can bring life, encouragement, and hope. Our careless words can inflict immense damage. But in Christ we have everything needed to tame the tongue and speak words of life. By walking closely with Jesus, our hearts and speech transform to increasingly reflect His truth, grace and wise restraint in all we say.