The Power of Speech: Words That Bring Life or Death

Although small, the tongue carries immense power: the same mouth can bless God, bring healing and calm a situation — or pierce like a sword and cause great damage. Scripture calls us to master this unruly member and to speak in faith under God’s control.

The Power and Influence of the Tongue

Our tongue has immense capability to enhance life by speaking truthfully and positively to influence others to live better, or to cause damage or death by any rash, uncaring and irresponsible words we utter. Although only small, our tongue exerts great power to bring healing or hurt, bless God or curse others with no one being able to fully master it (Lk 6:45; Jas 3:2-12). Reckless words pierce like a sword, stir up anger or calm a situation and bring blessing for “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” as we speak into the powerful unseen spirit realm (Ps 57:4; Prov 12:18, 15:1,28, 18:21; Lk 1:41-44, 20:26). We will eventually give account to Christ of all we say so “Do not be quick with your mouth…let your words be few” (Eccl 5:2; Mt 12:36-37).

Our verbal expressions are a self-revelation of what we think about ourselves and are reflected in our character and personality (Prov 23:7; Mt 12:34-35). Through our words, we give expression to the feelings within. These have a habit of gushing forth spontaneously, uncensored, and often in a thoughtless manner. Derogatory or insulting comments made about other people or churches infers we consider we are superior, as the Pharisee did with his arrogant and self-righteous attitude when he said, “I thank you I am not like this man” (Prov 11:12; Lk 18:9-14). We need to believe and declare the truth about ourselves, not a sanitised version.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not gossip – Proverbs 15:7

The Bible records God speaking and the physical world being created as a consequence (Gen 1:3-27). In a similar but very limited way, what we say can also materialise when we express ourselves in the spirit realm. Because what we focus on has a habit of becoming the controlling factor in our lives, our speech should glorify God, testifying about the good things He has done for us, not giving credit to Satan for any problems we are experiencing or by complaining (Phil 4:8; Col 3:17, 4:6). Instead, like David, aspire to “tell of [His] righteousness all day long…” (Ps 71:24).

Guarding and Refining Our Words

Like Isaiah, we have impure lips and continually need to experience the divine refining fire on this ungodly member (Isa 6:5-7).

David recognised that guarding the tongue is beyond our natural ability, so he asked God Himself to control what he said. Making this prayer our own invites the Lord to stand sentry over every word before it leaves our lips.

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips – Psalm 141:3

As we will be held accountable for what we say, it is wise to refrain from corrupt talk, which includes criticising, telling lies, filthy jokes and swearing, speaking instead words that build others up and impart grace to them, not words that tear them down (Deut 23:21-23; Ps 34:12-13; Prov 4:24; Eph 4:29; Col 3:9). In fact the Bible’s advice is to offer our tongue to God’s control, keeping a tight restriction on what we say to protect our soul, for speaking rashly brings ruin, corrupting the whole body and diminishing the value of the faith we profess (Prov 13:3, 16:23, 17:28, 21:23; Eccl 5:2; Rom 6:13, 12:1; Jas 1:19,26; 1 Pet 3:10).

Godly speech is seasoned with salt: wholesome, gracious words that build others up rather than tear them down, bringing blessing to all who hear them (Eph 4:29). Salt both preserves and gives flavour: in the same way, our conversation should protect all that is good, bring out its best in every exchange, and answer each person with wisdom and gentleness — graciously, not reacting in the flesh. Such seasoned speech also wins the respect of outsiders, opening doors to share the hope we have (Col 4:5-6).

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt – Colossians 4:6

Hurtful words leave damaging, long-term detrimental effects on those who receive them — wounds that can linger for years after they were spoken. Dismissing them with “I was just joking” or “it was only a figure of speech” changes nothing: Scripture likens the one who deceives a neighbour and then pleads, “Am I not joking?”, to a madman flinging firebrands and deadly arrows (Prov 26:18-19). Such excuses never undo the hurt, and careless or cruel speech carries real consequences no matter what intent is claimed afterwards (Mt 12:36-37).

Speaking in Faith and Authority

Jesus spoke to the sick and they were healed, raised to life those that were dead, pronounced forgiveness, delivered people from evil spirits and calmed the storm with His command, besides sharing the good news vocally (Lk 4:35, 5:24, 6:10, 7:14,22,48, 8:24,54). He said, we can say to a mountain ‘depart’ and it will (Mt 17:20). This is not so much a literal earth-moving ability but rather seeing what appears to be insurmountable or unchangeable, crumble and be overcome as we faithfully speak in Christ’s name for His glory. Am I addressing in faith great difficulties or seemingly impossible situations that must be subject to the authority of Jesus? He said, “The works that I do you shall do also…In my name...” He gives us the authority to use His name to do what is His will (Mk 16:17-18; Lk 10:17; Jn 14:12-14). Faith, right relationships and correct motives are key factors.

Probably the greatest means to communicate with others is through the words we speak, especially on a one-to-one basis. Do not continually speak about yourself and your ideas; rather share what Christ has been doing in your life together with other aspects of your faith, Biblical principles and wisdom.

Be ready to speak God’s message to others – 1 Peter 3:15

Be a catalyst by boldly speaking up for the truth and what you believe, as this may inspire others to remain faithful to God, for those who confess (publically acknowledge) Jesus, He will acknowledge before God (Mt 10:32-33).

Before the judgment throne of God, “Every [person] will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”, however this acknowledgement will not result in their salvation rather it is an acceptance of His authority and right to rule (Rom 14:11; Phil 2:11).

While we are to speak the truth in love we are not guaranteed freedom from any consequences (Eph 4:15).

Reflection and Application:

Ask God each day to guard your mouth and set a watch over your lips.
Refuse corrupt talk — criticising, gossip, lies, filthy jokes and swearing — and instead speak words that build others up.
Testify about the good things God has done for you, and be ready to share His message with others.
Address difficult or seemingly impossible situations in faith, speaking in Jesus’ name for His glory.