Words for the Wise: The Power of Godly Speech
Today, we are going to talk about a topic that is close to all of us: the power of our words. In the Bible, we find countless reminders of the impact our words can have—on ourselves, on others, and on our relationship with God. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or wound, to bring life or death.
So today, let’s reflect on some “Words for the Wise” as we dive into the Scriptures and see what God has to say about the way we speak. Let’s begin with our anchor verse for today’s message.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT): “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
The Bible makes it clear that our words are powerful. They have the potential to bring either life or death. With this in mind, let’s explore three key principles that can guide us in using our words wisely.
Point 1: Words Reveal the Condition of Our Heart
Our words are not just sounds that come out of our mouths; they are a reflection of what is in our hearts. Jesus Himself emphasized this truth in Matthew 12:34 (NLT), where He says, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” The Greek word for “heart” here is “kardia,” which refers not just to our physical heart but to the core of our being—our thoughts, emotions, and desires.
If our words are harsh, critical, or full of anger, it’s a sign that something is wrong in our hearts. Conversely, if our words are full of kindness, encouragement, and love, it’s evidence that our hearts are aligned with God’s Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak words that reflect the heart of God.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” When we guard our hearts—keeping them pure and focused on God—we are better equipped to speak words that bring life.
Imagine a tree bearing fruit. If the tree is healthy, the fruit will be good. But if the tree is diseased, the fruit will be rotten. In the same way, our words are the fruit of our hearts. If our hearts are healthy and filled with God’s love, our words will be a blessing to others.
Pastor Rick Warren once said, “The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Our words are one of the most immediate and powerful ways we can express love to others, so let’s be mindful of how we use them.
Point 2: Words Have the Power to Build Up or Tear Down
As we’ve seen in Proverbs 18:21, our words have the power to bring life or death. This means that our speech can either build others up or tear them down. Paul reminds us of this in Ephesians 4:29 (NLT), where he writes, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
The Greek word for “encouragement” in this verse is “oikodome,” which literally means “building up” or “edifying.” This gives us a picture of our words as tools for construction. Just as a builder carefully selects materials to create something strong and lasting, we should carefully choose our words to build others up in their faith and in their walk with God.
But the opposite is also true—our words can tear others down. James 3:6 (NLT) warns us, “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” James is giving us a stark reminder of the destructive potential of our words when they are not guided by wisdom and love.
Think of a builder constructing a house. With each brick, they are creating something that will provide shelter and security. But if that same builder were to use a sledgehammer instead of a trowel, the house would come crashing down. In the same way, our words can either build others up or tear them down, depending on how we use them.
Pastor Tony Evans has said, “Your words create worlds. Speak in alignment with God’s truth and watch as He builds His kingdom through your speech.” Our words have the power to shape the world around us, so let’s use them wisely.
Point 3: Words Should Be Guided by the Wisdom of God
If we want our words to bring life and build others up, we need to seek God’s wisdom in our speech. The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom for how we should use our words. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” This verse reminds us that the way we respond to others can either diffuse a situation or escalate it. When we seek God’s wisdom, He can guide us in speaking with gentleness and grace, even in difficult circumstances.
James also speaks about the importance of godly wisdom in our speech. In James 1:19 (NLT), he writes, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” This verse challenges us to be thoughtful and measured in our responses, taking time to listen before we speak. The wisdom of God leads us to be slow to anger and quick to extend grace to others.
The Hebrew word for wisdom is “chokmah,” which carries the idea of skillful living. It’s not just about having knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge in a way that honours God and blesses others. When we allow God’s wisdom to guide our speech, our words become a source of life and blessing.
Think of a skilled musician playing a beautiful piece of music. Each note is carefully chosen and placed to create harmony and beauty. In the same way, when we allow God’s wisdom to guide our words, they create harmony and beauty in our relationships.
Pastor Tim Keller has said, “Wisdom is the ability to know the right thing to do, in the right way, at the right time.” When we seek God’s wisdom, He will guide us in speaking words that bring life and reflect His love.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, the words we speak have the power to reveal the condition of our hearts, to build others up or tear them down, and to reflect the wisdom of God. Our speech is a powerful tool that can be used for great good or great harm, and we are called to use it wisely.
So how do we respond? First, we need to evaluate our words. Are they a reflection of a heart that is aligned with God’s Spirit? Second, we need to be intentional about using our words to build others up. And finally, we need to seek God’s wisdom in our speech, allowing Him to guide us in every conversation.
Call to Action: This week, I challenge you to be mindful of your words. Before you speak, ask yourself: Are my words reflecting the love of Christ? Am I building others up with my speech? Am I seeking God’s wisdom in what I say? As you do, trust that God will use your words to bring life, encouragement, and blessing to those around you.
Let us pray.
