The Weight of Our Words
A Devotional on Speech
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21
People often tell me I’m good with words.
And sometimes—I believe them.
I’ve won journalism awards.
Creative writing contests.
I’ve had articles and stories published.
Words are kind of my thing.
But here’s what I also know:
I can be incredibly careless with my speech.
I’ve said things I regret—harsh things, flippant things, selfish things.
I’ve spoken when I should’ve been silent.
I’ve been silent when I should’ve spoken up.
And Proverbs 18:21 confronts me every time:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
In other words, this isn’t a game.
The way we speak—what we say, how we say it, and when—has the power to shape realities.
To heal or to wound. To bless or to curse. To bring someone closer to Christ… or drive them further away.
We’ve heard it said:
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Cute.
Also: a lie.
If you’ve ever had someone speak something into your life that stuck longer than it should have—something harsh, careless, or crushing—you know the truth:
Words can wound deeply.
But in Jesus, words can also heal completely.
The writer of Proverbs doesn’t say words are harmless.
He says they’re powerful. Life or death kind of powerful.
And in a world where everyone wants to be heard, Jesus invites us to become people who speak like He did—with grace, truth, healing, and humility.
Because the tongue is not neutral.
It’s a tool. A sword. A seed. A mirror.
It reveals who’s really ruling your heart.
How Jesus Changes Our Speech
The call to “control our tongues” isn’t just about being a better person.
It’s about becoming a new person—one who has been united to Christ by faith, filled with His Spirit, and transformed from the inside out.
In Luke 6:45, Jesus says,
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
In other words, your mouth is the microphone of your soul.
You don’t have a word problem. You have a heart problem.
And only Jesus can change your heart.
That’s why this isn’t a self-help exercise.
It’s a surrender.
When you surrendered your life to Christ, He didn’t just redeem your eternity—He reclaimed your mouth.
Now your words belong to Him.
And His words?
They calm storms.
They raise the dead.
They silence lies.
They speak identity and destiny and life into broken people.
That’s what He wants to do through your voice too
Controlling the Tongue (With the Spirit’s Help)
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us we are always speaking life or death.
So how do we walk in wisdom when we open our mouths?
1. Speak Less.
Jesus was never in a hurry to speak. He listened. He paused. He discerned.
Sometimes silence is the most loving response.
Sometimes the holy thing is to not have the last word.
The Spirit gives us the power to be quick to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19).
2. Speak Truth.
Jesus never used flattery or deceit.
He spoke truth that set people free—even when it was hard.
Wisdom means being honest, clear, and kind—especially when honesty is uncomfortable.
Not truth as a weapon, but truth with tears in your eyes.
3. Speak Life.
Jesus’ words made people come alive.
Your words should sound like His.
Encouraging. Hopeful. Healing.
This isn’t toxic positivity—it’s resurrection speech.
Because you’ve been raised with Christ, your words should carry the aroma of new creation.
Two Names
So here’s your call to action this week. Sit in silence for a few minutes and ask the Spirit to bring two names to mind:
Who do I need to apologize to?
Who have I wounded with words? Or with silence that should’ve been presence?
Repentance is part of wisdom. It’s not weakness—it’s worship.
Who do I need to encourage?
Who is on the verge of giving up and needs life spoken back into them?
Send the text. Write the note. Make the call. Speak Jesus over them.
Because when Jesus raised Lazarus, He didn’t touch him.
He spoke him out of the grave.
Final Thought
Your words were never meant to serve you.
They were meant to serve the kingdom.
In a world where people use words to build platforms, defend egos, and protect power,
Jesus uses words to restore, redeem, and rescue.
So the question isn’t just “What am I saying?”
It’s “Who does this sound like?”
Do my words sound like Jesus?
If not—good news:
The Word made flesh is still at work, shaping our speech by shaping our hearts.
Let Him speak over you.
Let Him speak through you.
Because death and life are in the power of the tongue—
And Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
People often tell me I’m good with words.
And sometimes—I believe them.
I’ve won journalism awards.
Creative writing contests.
I’ve had articles and stories published.
Words are kind of my thing.
But here’s what I also know:
I can be incredibly careless with my speech.
I’ve said things I regret—harsh things, flippant things, selfish things.
I’ve spoken when I should’ve been silent.
I’ve been silent when I should’ve spoken up.
And Proverbs 18:21 confronts me every time:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
In other words, this isn’t a game.
The way we speak—what we say, how we say it, and when—has the power to shape realities.
To heal or to wound. To bless or to curse. To bring someone closer to Christ… or drive them further away.
We’ve heard it said:
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Cute.
Also: a lie.
If you’ve ever had someone speak something into your life that stuck longer than it should have—something harsh, careless, or crushing—you know the truth:
Words can wound deeply.
But in Jesus, words can also heal completely.
The writer of Proverbs doesn’t say words are harmless.
He says they’re powerful. Life or death kind of powerful.
And in a world where everyone wants to be heard, Jesus invites us to become people who speak like He did—with grace, truth, healing, and humility.
Because the tongue is not neutral.
It’s a tool. A sword. A seed. A mirror.
It reveals who’s really ruling your heart.
How Jesus Changes Our Speech
The call to “control our tongues” isn’t just about being a better person.
It’s about becoming a new person—one who has been united to Christ by faith, filled with His Spirit, and transformed from the inside out.
In Luke 6:45, Jesus says,
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
In other words, your mouth is the microphone of your soul.
You don’t have a word problem. You have a heart problem.
And only Jesus can change your heart.
That’s why this isn’t a self-help exercise.
It’s a surrender.
When you surrendered your life to Christ, He didn’t just redeem your eternity—He reclaimed your mouth.
Now your words belong to Him.
And His words?
They calm storms.
They raise the dead.
They silence lies.
They speak identity and destiny and life into broken people.
That’s what He wants to do through your voice too
Controlling the Tongue (With the Spirit’s Help)
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us we are always speaking life or death.
So how do we walk in wisdom when we open our mouths?
1. Speak Less.
Jesus was never in a hurry to speak. He listened. He paused. He discerned.
Sometimes silence is the most loving response.
Sometimes the holy thing is to not have the last word.
The Spirit gives us the power to be quick to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19).
2. Speak Truth.
Jesus never used flattery or deceit.
He spoke truth that set people free—even when it was hard.
Wisdom means being honest, clear, and kind—especially when honesty is uncomfortable.
Not truth as a weapon, but truth with tears in your eyes.
3. Speak Life.
Jesus’ words made people come alive.
Your words should sound like His.
Encouraging. Hopeful. Healing.
This isn’t toxic positivity—it’s resurrection speech.
Because you’ve been raised with Christ, your words should carry the aroma of new creation.
Two Names
So here’s your call to action this week. Sit in silence for a few minutes and ask the Spirit to bring two names to mind:
Who do I need to apologize to?
Who have I wounded with words? Or with silence that should’ve been presence?
Repentance is part of wisdom. It’s not weakness—it’s worship.
Who do I need to encourage?
Who is on the verge of giving up and needs life spoken back into them?
Send the text. Write the note. Make the call. Speak Jesus over them.
Because when Jesus raised Lazarus, He didn’t touch him.
He spoke him out of the grave.
Final Thought
Your words were never meant to serve you.
They were meant to serve the kingdom.
In a world where people use words to build platforms, defend egos, and protect power,
Jesus uses words to restore, redeem, and rescue.
So the question isn’t just “What am I saying?”
It’s “Who does this sound like?”
Do my words sound like Jesus?
If not—good news:
The Word made flesh is still at work, shaping our speech by shaping our hearts.
Let Him speak over you.
Let Him speak through you.
Because death and life are in the power of the tongue—
And Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
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2025
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