The Power of The Tongue

Understanding the Power the Tongue

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” –Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Just as important as guarding our thought lives, are the words we choose to utter. In fact, our words carry so much weight, the Lord tells us life and death are in the power of the tongue.

All human beings are created in the likeness and image of God. Just as He created the heavens and the earth through His words, we too possess the ability to influence our outcomes through the things we choose to say.

Ultimately, our words can speak blessings, or they can communicate curses. They can build others up, or they can break them down. Through it all, one thing is certain; those who love to talk will reap the effects of their words –whether the things they proclaim are positive or negative.

Words as a Reflection of the Heart

The old children’s adage states “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While this saying has stood the test of time, it could not be farther from the truth. Words hurt and they carry significant weight. Just think about all the people who believed they would never amount to anything after they were berated their entire lives.

Not only that, think about how many people failed to reach their maximum potential because they told themselves they were too weak to try.

Words have driven some people to get trapped in the valleys of life, while they have propelled others to persevere despite all odds. While a good portion of an individual’s fate is determined by how they choose to accept the messages spoken over them, there is a spiritual element that also comes into play. This means the words we speak create the world we experience. This is why it is so important to bridle our tongues, especially when we’re feeling angry, discouraged or depressed.

You Are What You Say

While trials and challenges are inevitable, sometimes we worsen an already bad situation by speaking words of death over ourselves. Many of us may not admit it, but when we’re stuck in a tough spot, we tend to declare words of disaster that bring doom and gloom, instead of trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision.

Indeed, the habit of speaking words of death starts in the mind and is made tangible through our speech. Still, just as negative words increase the likelihood of unfortunate outcomes, faith-filled words bring about peace, joy and blessings.  

Speak Life Not Death

Life is hard, and trying to navigate the everyday ups and downs of its ever-evolving landscape is even harder. In a world hyper-fixated on the negative, it is imperative to make an intentional effort to see through the scope of the scriptures.

Remember, no situation could ever be too hopeless because “God works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). That being said, if you think you may have an inclination towards cynicism, a good practice to nip negative talking in the bud is to refute pessimistic utterances with the word of God. For example:

Don’t say: “Life is hopeless, there is pain and suffering everywhere.”

Instead declare: “The sufferings I witness and experience now pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed to me when Christ returns” (Romans 8:18).

Don’t say: “Things will never get better, I might as well give up now and throw in the towel.”

Instead proclaim: “I will not become weary in doing good because when the time is right, I will reap a harvest if I don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Don’t say: “I am so lonely, nobody likes me and I’ll probably be stuck in involuntary solitude for the rest of my life.”

Instead affirm: “My identity is found in Christ alone and because He is with me, beside, behind me and inside me I am complete and whole” (Acts 17:28).

Don’t say: “This is too hard, there’s no way I can overcome this obstacle.”

Instead assert: “I will not be afraid or discouraged no matter what comes my way because God is with me wherever I go” (Psalm 139:7).

Don’t say: “I can’t stop worrying, my mind won’t shut off.

Instead proclaim: “I will not be anxious, but in all things by prayer and supplication, I will give my concerns to God and be comforted by His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Don’t say: “What’s the use? My situation is hopeless and there is no way out of this mess.”

Instead declare: “I will trust in the Lord always and not rely on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).