There is power in the words we speak. They not only trigger life but can also hinder death. In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God used words to create all that we see today.
Consider the power of our words. A word can cut so deep that it can destroy us, yet a word can fill us with the water of encouragement that keeps us going.
People use their words to change the world. Take Marcus Garvey, for example, who is said to be one of the greatest orators of the 20th century. Marcus’ talent was in his persuasive speech. To this day, his words continue to have a positive impact on the world.
We Should Speak Life
We too can and must speak life. As we come to terms with the life-giving power of our words, we should seek to speak rightly. Speaking rightly will not only shape our reality, but it will also influence the realities of those around us.
In John 6:63, Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
Consider that your words are living things. In the spiritual realm, our words are powerful weapons. These weapons can build up or tear down. They can make decrees that must be obeyed.
Always remember, we can use our words to wage war in the enemy’s camp. In other words, we can use our words to attack Satan and defeat him.
We should be careful with our words
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21
As we speak, we must be careful with our words. Scripture reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Once spoken, our words cannot be undone —regardless of the impact they may have on others.
There are things people have said to me that have resonated for years. Some cut so deeply that they carried their sting through time. Yet, there are also life-giving words that have touched me profoundly and left a lasting, positive mark.
I, too, have spoken words that have lingered over time. There are moments when I’ve said things I deeply regret, yet no amount of wishful thinking can undo them.
Because of this, we must recognize the power of our words and intentionally seek to speak words that give life.
There is power in the Word of God
The Bible speaks highly about the power of the Word of God. It says;
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrew 4:12
Here we learn that words can be sharper than a two-edged sword. Unlike a physical blade, words can cut us in places no sword ever could, leaving deep emotional and spiritual wounds.
The Bible also says that “every word of God is pure,” and that His word is a shield to those who trust in Him. Imagine the power of using words as a shield. Regardless of the enemies or challenges we face, we can use our words to protect ourselves. We can declare healing, deliverance, and restoration over our lives—simply by the power of the words we speak.
There Is Creative Power In our Words
"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
Genesis 1:3
There is creative power in our words. As mentioned earlier, God spoke the world into existence by the power of His words. In the Book of Genesis, God speaks, and creation comes into being, demonstrating the profound impact of words.
Similarly, we have the ability to use our words to shape not only our own reality but also the realities of others. Often, we are influenced by the words others have spoken over us, whether for good or bad. Even when we may not fully comprehend the power within our words, that doesn’t diminish their impact. Therefore, we must be intentional in speaking life at all times.
Our Words Are Great Sources Of Encouragement
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
I remember growing up and the impact my father had on me. To this day, I still regard Daddy as my hero—largely because of the words he spoke to me.
I often accompanied him to work, and on those long drives, we would have deep conversations. Daddy would water me with the seeds of encouragement through his words. Even though he has gone on to be with God, his words remain in my heart, shaping me in ways I can’t deny.
The truth is that we all have the power to use our words to encourage one another. Our words can be seeds of encouragement, planted in the hearts of others. Be mindful of your words, for they are not just spoken—they are also spirit.
The Power of Prayer: We Use Words To Talk to God
As believers in Christ, our words hold great significance because we use them to communicate with God and appeal to the grace of heaven.
The Bible teaches us that “the effective fervent prayer of a righteous person” is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Through our words, we can pray for healing, rebuke demonic forces, and declare victory over trials. Our prayers, spoken with faith, not only transform our lives but also impact the lives of others. Jesus tells us that with faith, we can command mountains—representing our greatest difficulties—to be moved, and they will be moved. Our words, therefore, become a powerful tool in navigating life’s challenges.
Bible Verses On the Power Of Words
1. "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Proverbs 18:21
2. "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned."
Matthew 12:36-37
3. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:1
4. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29
5. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
James 3:5-6
6. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Colossians 4:6
7. "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Proverbs 16:24
8. "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
9. "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Proverbs 12:18
10. "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity."
Proverbs 21:23
Final Thoughts
We have learned that there is power in the words we speak. Our words have the ability to create both our reality and the realities of others.
The Bible teaches that words are not merely a form of communication, but they carry immense power. We must, therefore, speak life-giving and positive words, understanding that they can serve as both weapons and shields in our spiritual journey.
As you move forward, be mindful of the words you choose. Remember, once spoken, words cannot be taken back. May you always speak with intention and grace. God bless you.