Words Have Power

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!â€

This saying couldn’t be further from the truth. The Word of God says our words do matter. They have the power to build up or tear down, to wound or to heal. Proverbs 18:21 even says “the tongue has the power of life and death.â€

In the book of James, the tongue is compared to the bit in a horse’s mouth, the rudder of a ship, and a small spark that starts a blazing fire (James 3:3-5). With this much power, the tongue sometimes “sets the whole course of one’s life on fire†(verse 6). These shocking images show the importance of our words, as well as the impact they have in the world.

What are your words going to be like today?

Will they be a refreshing stream of cool water to those around you who are thirsting for hope? Or will your words alternate between praising God and cursing the people He made—like a stream trying to produce both salt and fresh water (James 3:9-11)?

Will your words encourage others “according to their needs†or grieve the heart of the God who loves you (Ephesians 4:29-30)?

Will your words reflect the hope found in Jesus?

You are God’s dearly loved child through faith in Christ. Therefore, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in His light and share His love and hope with your words! • Savannah Coleman

• How have the words of others impacted you?

• How can you communicate Jesus’ love and truth in your speech? How does what you say—and how you say it—affect your message?

• Ask God to show you what needs to change in your speech and to give you wisdom about how to demonstrate the gospel through your words. Lean on the help of His Holy Spirit as you seek to glorify God with your speech.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 4:29-32; James 3:1-11