Words Hold Power
The power of words is often spoken about, but there is an even more powerful source about the power of words – the Bible. According to the Bible, ‘words can create or destroy, direct or mislead’. In fact, the Bible says that a person’s life or death is in their tongue – Proverbs 18:21.
The focus in the Bible on the power of words comes from the belief that words have a spiritual significance. The Bible states that God spoke the world into existence through his words and that words convey spiritual intent. Thus, the Bible teaches us that words can be ministry, whether in a positive or a negative way.
The Bible calls us to think before we speak, and to be responsible for our words. We are cautioned against using harsh, hurtful words that can break another person’s spirit – Proverbs 12:18. The Bible also speaks about our need to use gentle, kind and comforting words that build up and nourish those around us – Ecclesiastes 3:7.
Words can also be used for good, for example, for praising and worshipping God. The Bible instructs us to use words to glorify God, and reminds us that God inhabits the praises of his people – Psalm 22:3.
Furthermore, the Bible gives us the example of the power of prayer through words. According to the Bible, prayer is an act of faith, and by speaking out loud, words can bring about change and visible results. Proverbs 15:29 says that the Lord hears the desires of the heart.
Above all, the Bible reminds us that words are extremely important and to monitor what we say, as our words can have a powerful spiritual and emotional impact – Proverbs 21:23. So, mindful of this truth, let us use our words carefully and use them to build ourselves, our lives and those around us up.
Words And Modesty
The Bible warns against gossip, namely the use of words to gossip about people and to backbite, by talking behind their backs. Moreover, the Bible encourages us to be humble and to talk modestly and not to brag about ourselves. Therefore, verses such as Proverbs 27:2 and Proverbs 16:18, caution us to beware of what we say and be sure to think before we speak.
The Bible also advises us to keep our conversation light and not be given to using crude language. As Ephesians 4:29 instructs us: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” So, the Bible calls us to be mindful about our words and to be sure to use them to edify those around us, rather than tearing each other down.
The Bible reminds us to not be given to using angry words, and that God didn’t call us to sow discord with words. Rather, the Bible teaches us to be peaceable and to use our words to diffuse rather than to fuel an argument or conflict. Therefore,Verses such as Ephesians 4:31 call us to use our words to positively resolve disagreements rather than creating them.
Words And Encouragement
The Bible teaches us to use words to encourage one another and to lift each other up: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” – Hebrews 10:24-25.
The Bible also calls us to use words to encourage others to stay on path, to not give up but rather to persevere and to believe that all things are possible with God. Verses such as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 remind us to speak out words of encouragement and to be an example of faith and hope to others.
Words And Love
One of the main messages the Bible gives us about words is the power of love that they can convey. Words can be a tool to show our love and appreciation for one another. In addition, the Bible teaches us to use words to authentically promote justice, mercy, and true fellowship – Micah 6:8.
The Bible calls us to use our words to speak out against oppression, hatred and injustice. Deuteronomy 24:17 tells us that we should never oppress a stranger, or use words to devour them – and rather, use our words to protect and defend the voiceless.
Moreover, the Bible tells us to use our words to be kind and patient with each other, which can be a demonstration of love – Ephesians 4:2. In addition, the Bible encourages us to always use words that bring peace, rather than using words to be divisive – James 3:18.
Words And Truth
The Bible speaks about the power of truth, and of speaking the truth in love. Verses such as Proverbs 10:19, remind us to use our words to speak and promote honesty and integrity, and it has the power to establish and promote relationships – Proverbs 16:7 and Proverbs 17:17.
The Bible calls us to use our words to speak the truth with respect and to speak with kindness and compassion. Moreover, the Bible speaks against hypocrisy, or speaking one thing but doing another – James 2:17. In addition, the Bible warns us to not give false testimonies and to use our words to reflect reality and stand up for justice – Deuteronomy 19:15-20.
Words And Humility
The Bible teaches us that our words should reflect humility and self-reflection: “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” – Proverbs 27:2. Furthermore, the Bible reminds us to not use words in a prideful way to boast about ourselves or about our achievements.
In addition, the Bible speaks about the need to use words with humbleness and to speak about ourselves modestly. Therefore, the Bible instructs us to us our words to give glory to God and to not speak in a boastful way – 1 Corinthians 10:31. Lastly, the Bible calls us to be aware of our words and to ensure they reflect humility and open-mindedness – Ecclesiastes 5:2.
