LIFE Posts - The power of words - part 1
This week we shift from forgiveness to looking at the power of words. The impact of words can be understood immediately in light of forgiveness as we consider how freeing it feels to hear or say, “I forgive you” and the sense of peace and grace that fills the room when it occurs.
As does the Freedom Small group material[1], we’ll begin our study on the power of words by looking at two key scriptures – one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament:
Proverbs 18:21 (AMP2015) 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. [Matt 12:37] [2]
Luke 6:45 (AMP2015) 6:45 The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart. [3]
With these two scriptures we’re given important instruction. First, the tongue – the words that we say with it – has the power of death and life. Second, Jesus points out that the words that we speak reveal what is going on in our heart.
The power of words is something that is understood, yet also denied, in two separate worldly quotes. We’ve all heard the expression, “the pen is mightier than the sword” – and also the expression told to children, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” The first expression comes from Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1839 play Richeliu; Or the Conspiracy and is used to describe how a statesman can use words (through decrees, treaties, and diplomacy) to neutralize armies and even command empires more effectively than by using brute, physical force.[4] The second expression intends to instruct children that words cannot harm like a physical strike does – but adults recognize immediately the hollowness of this statement. Words very much can hurt and do harm - just as Proverbs 18:21 says. Conversely, words can also bring healing, encouragement, and life.
Clearly, different words produce different results – and as Jesus noted in Luke 6:45, the words a person speaks reveal the condition of their heart. The words we speak, if evaluated through a spiritual lens, can be used as a gauge of the condition of our heart. We all understand the importance of having and checking gauges in our daily lives. Whether by verifying that our cell-phone’s battery is charged before we leave our residence, checking our bank account balance, or setting the thermostat on our air conditioner, gauges (and controls) are important. Gauges report the current state of that which they’re measuring or controlling – they provide a real-time view of how a system is working.
The words we use, therefore, are an indicator of our submission to Christ. Said differently, the words we use gauge our spiritual order. If we’re feeding our spirit God’s Word and spending time communing with Him by prayer and worship, our spirit will be leading our soul (mind, will, and emotions), and the words we speak will give life. If we’re neglecting our spirit, and are in an unhealthy or unsubmitted state, our need of sanctification will pour out of our mouth. Our words either produce death or produce life!
Jesus tells His believers that they will do greater things (while on earth) than He did, because He has gone to the Father in heaven, and His Holy Spirit resides in believers (John 14:12). Consider the power and great things that occurred by Jesus’ spoken words:
John 11:43–44 (NASB 2020) 11:43 And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 11:44 Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” [5]
Matthew 8:32 (NASB 2020) 8:32 And He said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.[6]
Matthew 8:26 (NASB 2020) 8:26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.[7]
Matthew 8:8, 13 (NASB 2020) 8:8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. … 8:13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.[8]
We see in just these few scriptures the power unleashed by Jesus’ spoken words. People were healed, the winds and waves of a storm were calmed, demons were cast out, and Lazarus was even resurrected from the dead.
As joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), we are told by Jesus Himself that we have the power to even greater (miraculous) things by the Holy Spirit. The degree of power we will display is tied to the degree we’ve submitted ourselves to God’s Will and are walking on the narrow path of our ongoing sanctification. In John 16:13, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all the truth, because He (the Holy Spirit) will speak whatever He hears (from the Father). In effect, the Holy Spirit residing in us will give us all guidance we need to walk on the narrow path, including what to say.
We will continue to explore the power of words next week, but as you consider this week’s questions, recall what we’ve covered so far in our freedom study. Our ongoing sanctification will identify areas that need to be submitted to the Lord, and it is His kindness that shows us areas that need our repentance. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, and by repenting of our sin, we have His forgiveness. We can do all things, including changing the way we talk, through submitting to Jesus.
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- In Matthew 12:36-37 (NASB), Jesus says, “…every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. ‘For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.’” The words we speak matter very much - yet how thoughtless and careless we can be when speaking them! Spend some time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for awareness of your speech – are you bringing life or death forth with your words? Journal what He reveals to you, and share with an accountability partner.
- Our speech is one of the most challenging areas of our lives to fully submit to Jesus. There are many reasons for this: 1) Unless we’re challenged via a physical or mental handicap, speaking is easy – almost effortless. 2) Guarding our tongue (or speech) takes effort, which takes both discipline and reliance upon God. Most of us do not wish to expend that effort. 3) We’re easily poisoned by the words of the environment we’re in and often fall into contributing words of death in such an environment. (I.e., participating in a conversation with course jokes, or even complaining that starts with valid observations but rapidly shifts to nasty cynicism). 4). We often do not spend time to assess the circumstances of those who we are talking with or even around. With each of the above examples, we may automatically think of the “negative” things we shouldn’t be doing, such as cursing, being critical, or saying hurtful things. But in each circumstance, we shouldn’t only focus on “avoiding” speaking words of death – but should be submitting to the Holy Spirit for His guidance so that we speak words of life in those circumstances! Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation and guidance for how this past week you could have spoken life instead of death. Stand in faith on the Word of God’s promise that He will give you help and direction.
Scripture of the week
John 14:26 (AMP2015) 14:26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. [Matt 5:7, 13, 24, 25; Luke 24:49; John 14:16; Acts 1:4] [9]
Psalm 141:3 (AMP2015) 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly]. [10]
Proverbs 18:21 (AMP2015) 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. [Matt 12:37] [11]
Ephesians 4:29 (AMP2015) 4:29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. [12]
Colossians 4:6 (AMP2015) 4:6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. [13]
Matthew 15:11 (AMP2015) 15:11 It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that defiles and dishonors him, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles and dishonors him.” [14]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that Your Word teaches me the importance of the words that I use – spoken aloud, within, or written. Please forgive me for any and every word that I’ve said that dishonor You. I ask You Holy Spirit to set a guard over my mouth, so that my words bring life and truth instead of death. I thank You that it is Your kindness that leads me to repentance, and that by sanctifying my tongue, I will be made into a vessel of honor to serve You. I ask this in Jesus’ mighty Name – Amen.
Freedom Facet
Words have immense power to bring life, or to bring death. The words we say and use need to agree with what the Bible says, not what our emotions want to express, or the world tells us to say. Only when we speak what God’s Word instructs does power move – not just by saying “positive” things. This reinforces the need for us to spend time with God and being in His Word. Just as in human relationships we pick up mannerisms of those we spend time with, let us become so steeped in God’s Word that our words echo His heart and bring glory to God.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of August 30, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're in between on-campus semesters until September, so we're back to meeting at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, TX. Join us at 6:30 am for fellowship and discussion about God's Word. We'll conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] Freedom Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL; Freedom – Celebration Church, Georgetown, TX
[2] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[3] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[4] Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_pen_is_mightier_than_the_sword
[5] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[7] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[8] New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[9] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[10] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[11] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[12] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[13] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[14] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.