The Power of Words

4-07-24

 ^“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 (NASB)

 “Our words have the power to destroy and the power to build up.” Proverbs 12:6. (NLT)

 ^“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)

“You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised. Deuteronomy 23:23 (NASB)

 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.   James 1:26 (NLT)

“At my recent Toastmasters meeting, I had the privilege of delivering my Level 5 introductory speech entitled ‘The Power of Words.’ In preparing for this presentation, I found myself not only inspired but also compelled to dig deeper into this captivating topic, particularly from a biblical perspective. My research illuminated the dramatic impact of words on our lives, revealing how they possess the power to alter the trajectory and destiny of our journey. This newfound understanding stirred within me a desire to explore the profound wisdom embedded within the pages of Scripture concerning the potency of language and communication. Join me on this transformative journey as we explore the timeless truths found within Scripture, illuminating the significance of our words and the intricacies of language and communication in shaping not only our relationships but also our spiritual journey.”

Yes, Words Have POWER! They transcend mere sounds shaped by air passing through our larynxes and proceeding from our mouths. More than conveying information and facilitating communication, words possess the remarkable ability to profoundly impact our lives. Of all the creatures on this planet, only humans possess the gift of communication through spoken language. Yes, words have power, and they affect us physically, emotionally/mentally, and spiritually. Words have the power to uplift, inspire, heal, and transform.”

 Connie L. Peters, in her Poem “What Words Can Do” says

words are like medicine to a doctor, given the proper time and dosage they can heal ~  but given at the improper time and dosage – they can KILL!

We cannot afford to underestimate the importance and the power of our words.  The language we use to communicate with one another is like a knife in the hands of a careful and skilled surgeon. A knife can work for the good but in the hands of a careless or ignorant person, can cause great harm.  So, it is with words they have the power to do good and they have the power to harm! Some occasions need words of compassion, however, there are times when a skillful use of incisive words that may cause pain is needed.  There may be a time that we need to do “verbal surgery” and the result is pain.  Proverbs 27:6  says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (NASB) Now let me be really clear, all of us need admonition, correction, and constructive criticism at times even though they are necessary, they still hurt – but this is not the kind of pain that harms it is pain intended to help us grow.   2 Corinthians 7:8-10, ^“I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.  For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” (NLT)

Yes, Words Have POWER!  Some of the ways words impact us:  Our words can or tear down words can kill. Careless or hurtful words can damage relationships and erode trust. Words have an emotional impact by evoking strong emotions. Neuroscientific research has revealed that reading or hearing emotionally charged words can trigger activity in the brain’s limbic system, and its function is to process and regulate our emotions and memory while also dealing with and learning. This suggests that words have the ability to elicit both positive and negative emotional responses.

Yes, Words Have POWER! Words play a central role in social interactions and influence. Research in social psychology has demonstrated the power of persuasive language in shaping attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors – we see this daily on social media. Whether in advertising, political discourse, or everyday conversations, words have the potential to sway opinions and mobilize actions.

 Yes, Words Have POWER! Words have real power to impact our mental health. Language also plays a significant role in mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that the way individuals talk to themselves, known as self-talk, can affect their mood, self-esteem, and resilience. Positive self-talk can enhance psychological resilience, while negative self-talk may contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress.

Yes, Words Have POWER! Words have Real Power as related to Cultural Significance. Words are not only tools of communication but also carriers of cultural meaning and identity. Linguistic Anthropologists study how language reflects and shapes cultural norms, values, and social structures. Words and expressions unique to particular cultures convey rich layers of meaning and contribute to cultural diversity and heritage.

Yes, Words Have POWER!  In public speaking, the power of words lies in their ability to captivate and persuade audiences. Using vivid imagery, storytelling, and rhetorical devices can make speeches more compelling and memorable. Additionally, tailoring language to resonate with the audience’s values, beliefs, and emotions can enhance the speaker’s credibility and effectiveness.

Yes, Words Have POWER! In certain contexts, the misuse of words can have legal ramifications. Defamation, libel, and slander laws protect individuals and organizations from false or damaging statements made in writing or speech. Violations of these laws can result in lawsuits, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

Yes, Words have POWER! Our words actually reveal what is in our hearts! What kinds of words come from your mouth? What you say is an indication of what your heart is really like. You can’t solve your heart problem just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source. Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.  Live wisely among those who are not Believers in Christ and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (NLT) Our words show what kind of people we really are. James 1:26.

Would you change how you speak and live if you knew that God would examine every word and thought? First and foremost, our words ought to please God! Although Solomon was not David’s favorite son, Solomon did at least listen to him. Proverbs 13:1-6 is an example of a wise son who heard his father’s instruction. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, is an example of the scorner who did not listen. He is an example to us of the negative side, as we have found in many of these Proverbs. But there are other examples that we could find in Scripture where the Psalmist David asked God to approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. He began noting that the whole creation manages to express God’s glory. He ended his thoughts with a prayer that God might be pleased with his words. Do you begin each day, determined to let God’s love guide what you say and how you think? Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything – Proverbs 13:3.

Would you also agree that our words really matter? Let’s see what Scripture says about our use of words!

1. When we say we will do something, it is a binding commitment. Deuteronomy 23:23. Once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to do as you have said, for you have made a vow to the Lord your God. Joshua 9:18-20.  The leaders replied, “We have sworn an oath in the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel. We cannot touch them. We must let them live, for God would be angry with us if we broke our oath.”Psalm 15:1-3.  Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

2. Our words matter to God; only those who speak rightly can enter His presence. If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Proverbs 11:11. Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

4. Words of blessing and wicked words are both very powerful. Proverbs 15:1  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

5. What we say makes a real difference in our relationships. Proverbs 17:9. Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends. The words we speak during our lives can condemn us or justify us on Judgment Day. Matthew 12:36-37. I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them, or you will be condemned.

HEART CHALLENGE:  What kind of words should you avoid speaking? Scripture is very clear on what we should NOT say. What Kind of Words We Avoid Speaking?

1. Never curse God or anyone in leadership over you. Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you. Exodus 22:28.
2. Don’t make fun of those in leadership. Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of a rich man, either. A little bird may tell them what you have said. Ecclesiastes 10:20.
3. Avoid saying anything that is deceptive or false. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Psalm 34:12-13.
4. Avoid spreading gossip or slander about other people. What dainty morsels rumors are-but they sink deep into one’s heart. Proverbs 18:8.
5. Avoid speaking in the heat of anger; you will usually regret it later. A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11.
6. Avoid criticizing your brother and sisters as well as other people. Don’t speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize each other and condemn each other, then you are criticizing and condemning God’s law. James 4:11.

A CONTROLLED HEART: The words that come out of our mouths as well as the thoughts in our hearts must be pleasing to God. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14.

A controlled heart:

1. Speak only the TRUTH. This is what we must do! Let’s tell the truth to each other. “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Zechariah 8:16
2. Speak kind words to others. “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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32
3. Use your words to bless even those who injure you. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.1 Peter 3:9  
4. 4. Speak words of thanks and praise to God. Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. Psalm 50:23. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:6
5. Talk about God’s commands on a continual basis. You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
6. When the time is right, giving good advice can be very beneficial. Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. Proverbs 25:11
7. Use words that build others up. Speak in a way that helps. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 5. Speak to others with gentleness. Gentle words bring life and health. Proverbs 15:4  Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition. Proverbs 25:15

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that provides us with clear instructions on how we use our words. Make us forever cognizant of the words that come out of our mouths and remember that whatever we say is an indication of what is in our hearts. Help us to allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with new attitudes and motives so that our speech will be cleansed at the source. Please Father let our conversation be gracious and attractive so that we will have the right response for everyone,  in the Precious,  Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Reference: Logos Bible Software