The Power of Words

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Words carry incredible weight. Every sentence we speak has the power to uplift or to tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring hope or despair. In fact, our words are so powerful that the Bible describes the tongue as being able to bring both life and death. How often do we think about the impact of what we say, especially when we’re going through difficult times? During moments of struggle, the words that come out of our mouths often reflect the state of our hearts. And if we’re not careful, we can speak words that deepen our emotional and spiritual struggles rather than lift us out of them.

Elijah, one of the mightiest prophets in the Bible, experienced a deep moment of despair in his life. After facing immense pressure and danger, Elijah fled to the wilderness, feeling utterly defeated. His prayer to God during this time is startling: “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah, who had witnessed the power of God in miraculous ways, spoke words of hopelessness and defeat when his heart was heavy with depression. His speech reflected his mental and emotional state.

How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? When life gets tough, when our prayers seem unanswered, or when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, our words start to change. Instead of speaking faith and hope, we start verbalising defeat: “I can’t do this anymore,” “Things will never get better,” or “I’m worthless.” These are not just words—they are declarations that sink us deeper into discouragement and hopelessness.

The Bible reminds us of the immense power that lies in our words. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This means that the things we say can either bring life or bring death—not just to others, but to ourselves. When we speak words of defeat, we often find ourselves experiencing more defeat. But when we speak words of faith, even in the darkest moments, we open the door for God’s life-giving power to enter our situation.

Think about it: when God created the world, He did so with words. He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Our words are not just idle sounds—they carry creative power. When we speak in alignment with God’s promises, we are agreeing with His truth and allowing His power to work in our lives. But when we speak negatively, we agree with the enemy’s lies, giving room for fear, doubt, and despair to take hold.

In times of struggle, it’s especially important to guard our tongues. Depression, anxiety, and stress often shift the way we speak. We might start verbalising our pain, not realising that the more we say negative things, the deeper we go into that negativity. But this is where we can make a conscious decision to change our words, even when our emotions are pulling us in the opposite direction.

The key is to speak life, even when everything feels like death. To declare hope, even when we can’t see it. This isn’t about pretending that everything is fine—it’s about aligning our words with God’s promises, trusting that His Word is more powerful than our circumstances.

Take time today to reflect on the words you’ve been speaking over your life and your situation. Have your words been filled with life, or have they been speaking death into your circumstances? Challenge yourself to intentionally speak words of faith, hope, and love, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember, your words have the power to shape your reality.

Make a habit of declaring God’s promises over your life. When you’re feeling weak, say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When you’re worried, declare, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind” (Philippians 4:7). Allow the truth of God’s Word to guide your speech.

For the next seven days, consciously monitor the words you speak, especially in difficult moments. Each time you catch yourself saying something negative or discouraging, stop and replace it with a positive declaration from Scripture. Over time, you’ll notice how this shift in your words changes the way you experience your challenges.

Lord, help me to guard my tongue and speak life into every situation I face. Remind me of the power of my words, and guide me to declare Your promises over my life, especially when things are tough. I trust in Your Word and the life it brings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.