The power of words

Our words carry weight

Proverbs 21:23 NKJV
[23] Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.21.23.NKJV

We can use our words wisely, with discretion and discernment, or speak idly, which is to talk, just to talk, with no purpose or anything productive or of value.

Gossip can be a form of idle talk. Such people are often known as busy bodies, meddling in the affairs of others and not minding their own business. 

God’s word instructs us to use our words with wisdom; godly wisdom. It’s better to use our words carefully instead of carelessly.

A wise person will refrain from speaking, even biting their tongue as the Holy Spirit convicts and guides, instead of using their words foolishly.

Often we speak off the top of our heads, out of our feelings and emotions. When someone says something spiteful or evil to, or against us. The natural tendency is to bite back with our own words of retaliation, to get even.

Jesus tells us in the Gospels that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak; that is, every word that comes out of our mouths that is meaningless, or spoken with malicious intent. Every time we speak falsely against someone, or tell stories that aren’t true, every word of gossip or slander, even to get even or retaliate against those who have transgressed against us with their tongue and words .

Jesus instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to practice the golden rule, which is to treat others the way we want to be treated, freely forgiving others for the things they say against us, which are often spoken out of anger or despair, or lack of understanding. Our words, and that of others, can and often are taken out of context .

Godliness includes pursuing holiness and righteousness, and a part of that is learning when and when not to speak.

Our words carry consequences; we will reap what we sow, good or bad. We can use our words wisely, watching the door of our mouths, or we can use them foolishly, blurting things out, without any thought as to who they will hurt or effect. But rest assured, every person will give an account to God on judgement day. If we’ve used our words to hurt others or treat them unfairly, God will hold us accountable.

If, on the other hand, we’ve watched our words, especially when we’ve heard gossip or false witness against our neighbor, and have avoided joining in, even defending others against such idle chatter, or otherwise letting “talebearers” and gossips know what God’s word says about such things.

Remembering that our words have power can keep us from speaking idly and use our words to glorify God, by lifting others up, strengthening and encouraging them. We can pray for and with others, which is a great way to use our words to bring life instead of death.

Our words have power! If we would give thought to every word, before they slip off of our tongue, we would avoid unnecessarily offending others. But living that way requires a close knit relationship with the Living God, and allowing the power of His Word to transform us by the renewing of our minds. We need to be intentional about receiving the power of His word, so that we might learn to use our words more wisely.

Proverbs 18:21 ESV
[21]  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.21.ESV

Matthew 12:33-37 NKJV
[33] “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. [34] Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. [35] 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. [36] But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.12.33-37.NKJV

Proverbs 4:23-27 NKJV
[23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. [24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. [26] Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.4.23-27.NKJV

Proverbs 12:17-19 NKJV
[17] He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. [18] There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. [19] The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.12.17-19.NKJV