The Power of Words: Speaking Life vs. Death

Our words hold immense power. They shape the “houses” of our lives, influencing our actions and ultimately shaping our destiny. Spoken words do not simply vanish into the air; they leave lasting imprints that affect us emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  These imprints not only influence our lives, but also impact those connected to us, whose lives we touch through our speech.

Proverbs 18:21 declares that: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse reminds us that the words we speak bear fruit, and we will inevitably partake of the results. Whether our words bring life or death—affecting ourselves or others—depends on the seeds we choose to plant. By speaking words of hope, love, and encouragement, we sow seeds of life, building up both ourselves and those around us.

As a child, I vividly remember sharing an incident with my mother. Before I could add my opinion, she gently stopped me and said, “If you don’t have good things to say, don’t say anything.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of her words. Later, I came to realize that my words had the power to bring healing, comfort, and life—but they could also cause division, destruction, or inflict hurt and pain in my life and others.

The Bible warns us about the seriousness of our speech: “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an account for every careless or useless word they speak.” (Matthew 12:36, AMP). Careless words, once spoken, cannot be taken back; they leave scars that may last a lifetime. This sobering truth calls us to greater awareness of the power and responsibility we hold when we speak. 

So, how do we speak life? We align our words with the Word of God. We speak what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Words spoken with truth, kindness, and love, build up and bring life. Conversely, we speak death when we allow negativity, doubt, fear, anger, lies, and/ or deceit to shape our speech. Such words can crush spirits, leaving wounds and pain. 

The power of the tongue is undeniable. Proverbs 15:4 (NKJV) teaches, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Let our words show God’s love and grace, bringing life and hope. Let us also intentionally refrain from speaking perverse or harmful words over ourselves or others.

Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) offers practical guidance: “Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].” 

As we journey through life, let us pray, as the psalmist did: “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3, KJV). By choosing our words carefully, we plant seeds that build rather than destroy faith, confidence, and destinies. Let the words we speak bear the fruit of life, bringing hope, healing, and blessings to us and to all who hear them.

Until next time.

See you along the God directed path.