Life-Giving Words
There is power in our words and the language that we use. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Words carry weight and words influence those around us. Words can be life-giving and changing.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, and you listen and listen? While listening, you pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the right words and wisdom needed in that moment. Then BOOM…you speak the exact words that person needed to hear! Those words became the very life-giving words that they needed. Praise Him!
The words we speak can change the course of our personal life or the life of someone else.
I had a conversation recently with a friend where my words were the very thing that God used to unlock and bring life into my sweet friend’s heart. As I reflected on the conversation, I knew that the Holy Spirit was bringing words of life and insight to my mind that she needed for that moment. Speaking words of life into someone’s life can be dynamic and life-changing.
Words are like keys that unlock our minds to a new perspective. Words can change us. Words can refresh and encourage us. Words can comfort us. On the flip side, words can also destroy, discourage, betray, and even bring death.
When the heart is weary, the words we choose can bring strength.
When the heart is hurting, the words we speak can bring comfort.
When the heart is lonely, the words we say can remind someone they are not alone.
I think about the words that Jesus used and how they were full of truth, love, and life.
Likewise, the words that we choose can impact and influence those around us. If we allow God’s word to be rooted within our hearts, the words we speak will be LIFE.
What comes out of our mouth is a direct reflection of what is in our heart.
I think of conversations that leave me feeling full of life and my heart is encouraged.
Women who encourage women is part of the calling on our lives and the words we speak have an impact on people, more than we realize.
We are reminded in Proverbs of how our words can be used for good or evil.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 15:4 “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
When I let these words from Proverbs marinate in my mind, I realize that not only do words matter, but it’s also important how they are spoken.
One thing marriage will reveal is how words directly impact your spouse. If you are married or in a relationship, you know that what we say and how we say it affects that person deeply. Whenever my husband graciously confronts my imperfections, these are the moments when my emotions or my mood shape my words in a way that can be hurtful. I am reminded that I can control what I say and how I say it. Let’s be real, these moments happen BEFORE coffee. – wink, wink.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life when used in a way that pleases the Lord. Gentleness is strength. Gentleness is strong.
Let’s read the words in Proverbs 15 together:
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings ruin.The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
but the hearts of fools are not upright.The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—
how much more do human hearts!Mockers resent correction,
so they avoid the wise.A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisors they succeed.A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word!The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
As we read through Proverbs, we see a clear difference: it’s either THIS OR THAT.
With every word that is spoken, my intention is that they will be LIFE GIVING and LIFE CHANGING.
Let’s be women who are known by a gentle tongue and may the words we speak reveal strength and grace to others.
You are LOVED! These are just three little words, but they bring so much LIFE!
Bethany Marshall
