The Power of Our Words

Today, I want us to reflect on something deeply profound and often underestimated: the immense power held within our very own words. As we navigate our daily lives, interacting with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers, the words we choose to utter carry weight, impact, and eternal significance. Our outline today, drawn from the wisdom of Scripture, will guide us to a deeper understanding of this vital truth.

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A. A Time to Speak, and a Time to Be Silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

Our journey begins in the book of Ecclesiastes, where the wise Preacher reminds us that "there is a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak." This simple verse holds profound wisdom. Not every thought that crosses our minds needs to be voiced. There are moments when silence is golden, when contemplation and listening are far more valuable than speaking. Conversely, there are times when our voice is needed – to offer encouragement, to speak truth, to defend the voiceless. Discerning the appropriate time to speak and the appropriate time to be silent is a mark of wisdom, a wisdom that honors God and edifies others.

B. The Power of Life and Death on the Tongue (Proverbs 18:21)

Moving forward, Proverbs 18:21 declares a stark reality: "The tongue has the power of life and death." These are not mere poetic words; they are a spiritual principle. Our words have the ability to breathe life into a weary soul, to encourage a faltering heart, to speak hope into despair. But tragically, our words also possess the power to wound deeply, to crush spirits, to sow seeds of bitterness and division. Let us be ever mindful of the immense power we wield with our tongue, choosing always to speak words that bring life, healing, and blessing.

C. The Heart's Abundance Speaks (Matthew 12:34)

Jesus Himself, in Matthew 12:34, reveals the source of our words: "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Our speech is an outward manifestation of our inner being. A heart filled with love, joy, peace, and truth will naturally produce words that reflect these virtues. Conversely, a heart harboring bitterness, anger, envy, or deceit will inevitably give rise to words that are harmful and destructive. This truth calls us to examine the depths of our hearts, to allow God's Spirit to cleanse and fill us with His goodness, so that our words may be a sweet aroma to those around us.

D. Guarding Our Mouth and Heart (Proverbs 21:23)

Proverbs 21:23 offers practical guidance: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." This is not just about avoiding external conflict; it speaks to an inner peace and freedom from anguish. The proverb goes on to imply that a "bridle on the mouth supposes wisdom in the heart." When we diligently guard our hearts, filling them with God's Word and allowing His Spirit to guide us, our hearts will, in turn, guard our tongues from sin and protect us from many afflictions that careless words can bring.

E. Pleasant Words: A Honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24)

The beauty and effectiveness of kind speech are highlighted in Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Just as honey is delightful and nourishing, so too are words spoken with kindness, gentleness, and grace. They have a persuasive power, opening hearts and building bridges. Let us strive to season our speech with sweetness, offering words that bring comfort, encouragement, and healing to those who hear them.

F. Our Speech Identifies Us (Matthew 26:73)

Remember the scene in Matthew 26:73, where Peter's denial of Jesus was challenged? The people around him said, "Your accent betrays you." Our way of speaking identifies us. It reveals our background, our values, and most importantly, whether we are followers of Jesus Christ. Our speech should be marked by love, truthfulness, and a reflection of the character of our Savior. Are our words pointing others to Christ, or are they indistinguishable from the world around us?

G. The Rashness of Moses (Psalm 106:32-33)

The example of Moses in Psalm 106:32-33 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of hasty words. Even a man of God, when provoked, spoke rashly, and it "went badly for him." In a moment of frustration, Moses failed to honor God before the people with his words. Let us learn from his mistake, understanding that even in moments of pressure or anger, we must be careful and deliberate in our speech, lest we dishonor God and suffer the consequences.

H. Accountability for Every Idle Word (Matthew 12:36)

Jesus gives us a serious warning in Matthew 12:36: "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they 1 have spoken." This should cause us to pause and consider the weight of our casual conversations, our thoughtless remarks, our gossip, and our negativity. God takes our words seriously, and we will be held accountable for them. Let us strive to speak with intention, purpose, and a consciousness of their eternal significance.

I. Justified or Condemned by Our Words (Matthew 12:37)

Finally, Jesus concludes in Matthew 12:37, "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Our words are not neutral; they are evidence of the state of our hearts and will play a role in our final judgment. Words of faith, love, truth, and edification will bear witness to our relationship with Christ. Conversely, words of malice, deceit, and condemnation will speak against us.

Conclusion:

Beloved, let us leave this place today with a renewed awareness of the incredible power of our words. They are a reflection of our hearts, they have the power of life and death, they can build up or tear down, they identify us as followers of Christ, and they carry eternal consequences.

Let us pray for God's grace to guard our hearts, that our hearts may guard our tongues. Let us seek wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. Let our words be seasoned with kindness, truth, and love, bringing sweetness to the souls of those who hear us and honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Power of Our Words