The Words You Speak

“A word has the power to change your life.” This is the recent conclusion of a major advertising executive. As he thought about developments in language in recent years, he commented that “technology has brought words into our lives more than ever before. No longer are words just what we hear, write or read—they have become what we create and how we interact with the world around us.”

He concluded that words change everything! “Words have a dramatic effect on what we know, how we interact with people and the decisions we ultimately make. Words can influence us, inspire us or just as easily bring us to tears.”

He observed that just speaking the right word can build or destroy friendship. Words can heal and soothe, but also damage and break. Words can lead to love and marriage, but also to divorce and separation.

These comments, from a man who is not a Believer, simply confirm biblical truths. The Bible tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). With our words, we have the power to change our lives and the world! Jesus said, in fact, that “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:20). But, to make this kind of change, we must speak.

Today, don’t be careless about the words you speak. Remember, your words will help shape your own attitudes and perspective on world events and your own life. Also, they will influence other people. They can build up or tear down, increase faith or doubt, lead to life or death, hope or discouragement. Fill your mind with God’s Word, and surrender to the influence of His Spirit. Let Him inspire and shape the words you speak!