While some may think words are simply words, the words we say have far more of a significant impact than we might realize. If you need proof, look back at some of the hurtful words that were spoken to you as a child and how they impacted you. Additionally, look at the encouraging words that were spoken to you as a child and how they built you up during a time when you needed to be built up. Indeed, our words are powerful. Because the words we say carry such power, we must carefully consider each one of the words we say and speak only words that bring life to the people around us, especially the children in our lives.
Proverbs 18 reveals just how powerful our words can be. The writer of this Proverb explains that “the tongue can bring death or life” (verse 21). Indeed, the tongue is powerful. Destructive, unkind, and discouraging words can take away someone’s confidence, end relationships, and more. Conversely, godly and encouraging words can encourage someone to keep going when they want to give up, instill confidence in an unconfident person, redeem broken relationships, and more. The tongue is indeed powerful. The words we say are significant and have the potential to help or harm. We have to decide what kind of words we want to speak.
Because the tongue is so powerful, we must be careful what we say. We must carefully consider the words we speak before we speak them, making sure our words will bring life, not death. We must not speak casually or haphazardly. The words we speak are, indeed, significant.
Whether you want to admit it or not, your words are powerful, my friend. Do you recognize just how powerful your words are? Will you speak words that bring life, building up the people around you, especially the children in your life? Your words will significantly impact the children God has placed in your life. Commit to speaking encouraging, life-giving words to them every single day.
Commit today to only speaking words that bring life, especially the words that you speak to the children in your life. Ask God to help you as you commit to doing this. As you speak these life-giving words, pay attention to how they impact the people around you.
Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty
or deny justice to the innocent.
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Haughtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.
14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people!
17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.
18 Flipping a coin can end arguments;
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy;
the rich answer with insults.
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
