peggywritesblog

Our Words Have Power

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 ESV

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 ESV

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24 ESV

 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 12:18 ESV

Powerful words! Can you add more?

Our words are powerful, our words can; diffuse an argument or incite anger, give life or break a spirit, be gracious and sweet, kill a relationship or give joy to life. We choose the words we speak. When my kids were younger, my encouragement was always, “If you are kind to people, they will be kind to you.”

I don’t think it really clicked with my daughter until she was at the DMV to take her driving test for her license. A few of her friends had failed in their first attempt and she was nervous. The DMV was packed, the officers looked tired, and she was called. I encouraged her to be kind. She sympathized with the officer’s busy day and joked about being nervous. Both were smiling as they went out to the car.

She was all smiles when she came back in, she passed! She admitted that she did one thing wrong (that one of her friends was failed for) but the officer was “so nice” and just told her to remember how to do it. Gracious words are sweetness to the soul.

Have you ever said something that you regretted as soon as the words were out of your mouth? Yeah, me, too. We can apologize, but we can’t wish them back, we can’t un-say them. Proverbs gives so much great advice on how we should and shouldn’t use our words.

One verse that I try to remember before I speak to anyone is Psalm 139:4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. ESV If the Lord knows what I’m going to say, I had better make sure it is ok for Him to hear it! Is my speech full of grace and mercy, does it give life and sweetness, health and peace?

This week let’s all consider the power of our words before we speak them. Do they offer love, hope, encouragement, comfort, healing, and life? Even in correction we can speak with love and kindness.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we use our powerful words to bring life to those we speak to and give the glory to God.

Blessings and beautiful words of life!

9 comments

  1. So true, Peggy. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, the power of negative words was fully on display all too often, and all these decades later I and my sisters still carry scars because of it. Words truly do have power, and with power comes responsibility. I think one reason I love writing is that I can harness that power and use it to speak my deepest truths. I also hope my words help others feel better about themselves. Kindness is really the key to happiness, and it’s free to give and receive.

    Excellent essay today, my friend. Always a pleasure to read you. Have a good week ahead. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you, Mike, I so appreciate your comments and encouragement! You are so right, my friend, words are powerful and we need to use them to build others up. The world tends to tear us down. May we all choose kindness and love. 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  2. Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.
    I appreciate this word today, Peggy. It’s been a testing start to the week at work, and I’m like a lion with a toothache. But I’ve been biting my tongue every step of the way. These are good, timely reminders. The Lord knows what I needed to hear today. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment