The Power of The Tongue
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21.
Words have an extraordinary impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. In the Bible, we see God has given words tremendous power and significance. In Genesis 1, we read that God spoke, and everything came into existence. His words had the power to bring light, separate the waters, create living creatures, and form humankind in His image.
God’s words have the power to give life and endure. In John 6:63, Jesus declares, “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and has the ability to breathe life into our souls, transforming us from within. Throughout the Bible, we see the power of prophetic words spoken by God’s chosen messengers. When God speaks through prophets, His words carry an anointing that brings about what was declared. Isaiah 55:11 states, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
The Bible emphasizes the profound power of words and provides wisdom and guidance on how to use them wisely. From the very beginning, God’s creative power was manifested through His spoken word. As His image-bearers, we are empowered with a similar ability to influence our spiritual environment through the words we speak. As Christians, it is important that we are familiar with the biblical teachings on the power of our words, the consequences they carry, and the responsibility we have to use them in ways that glorify God and accomplish His purpose.
The Power of the Tongue of Living Words
In Genesis 1, we witness the power of God’s spoken word as He brings the universe into existence. With each declaration, “And God said,” He brings forth light, land, vegetation, and living creatures. God’s words carry creative authority, demonstrating the transformative power that words possess. As His children, we inherit a similar ability to bring life, encouragement, and positive change. However, words wielded improperly, or with the wrong motives, have the potential to bring forth discouragement, offense, and spiritual death.
The book of Proverbs offers deep insights into the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Think about that for just a minute. The words you let slip past your lips can either cause a great deal of hurt or a great deal of healing (life or death). Our words can either bring forth life-giving blessings or cause destruction and harm. Proverbs 12:18 advises us to speak wisely, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” It reminds us of the responsibility to use our words to build up and bring healing, rather than tearing down and inflicting wounds.
The Bible encourages us to use our words to uplift and encourage others. Proverbs 16:24 states, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” A timely word of encouragement can inspire, motivate, and breathe life into someone who is struggling. Additionally, Ephesians 4:29 urges believers to speak words that edify and benefit others. By choosing our words thoughtfully and speaking life-giving truths, we contribute to the well-being and improvement of those around us.
The Power of the Tongue of Wisdom and Counsel
To give someone godly wisdom and counsel is to provide guidance, insight, and advice that aligns with God’s truth and principles. It involves sharing wisdom that is rooted in Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit and reflects a heart of love, compassion, and humility. Proverbs 15:23 reminds us, “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” When we speak words of wisdom, seasoned with grace and love, we can help others navigate life’s challenges, make wise decisions, and grow in their faith. By sharing biblical truths and principles, we can empower others to live purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus provides great wisdom and counsel to his disciples and those who seek Him. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), offer priceless insights into living a righteous and Kingdom-focused life. The apostle Paul wrote numerous letters to churches and individuals, extending godly wisdom and counsel in matters of faith, doctrine, and practical living.
We likewise see wisdom and counsel exhibited in 1 Kings 3:16-28, When two women came before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of a baby, Solomon, known for his wisdom, proposed a solution. He ordered a sword to be brought and suggested cutting the living child in half, with each woman receiving an equal portion. Upon hearing this, the true mother urgently pleaded with the king to spare the child’s life and instead give him to the other woman. In her selfless act, she revealed her earnest love and care for the child, willing to relinquish her claim to ensure his survival.
In contrast, the other woman had no objections to the child being divided. Her lack of concern for the child’s well-being exposed her false claim of being the child’s mother. Perceiving the true mother’s love and sacrificial heart, Solomon ruled in her favor, giving her custody of the child. The people marveled at Solomon’s knowledge and discernment, recognizing that God had given him extraordinary wisdom to administer justice.
The Power of the Tongue of Prayer and Declarations
Our words play a significant role in prayer and declarations. Mark 11:23 affirms, “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” Through prayer, and declaring God’s promises, we tap into the supernatural power of God, bringing about transformation and breakthrough in our lives and the lives of others.
In 1 Kings 18:41-46 during a severe drought, Elijah prayed fervently for rain, and despite a long period of drought, a small cloud appeared, and a heavy rainstorm ensued. His prayer and declaration of faith brought about a miraculous change in the weather. In Acts 16:25-34, while imprisoned in Philippi, Paul, and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening all the doors and loosening the prisoners’ chains. The power of their prayers led to an incredible deliverance and the spread of the Gospel.
These biblical examples highlight the power of declarations and prayers when they are aligned with God’s will, offered in faith, and with a sincere heart. They demonstrate that God listens to His people and responds to their cries. Prayer is a powerful means of communication with God, and declarations spoken in faith have the potential to produce supernatural breakthroughs and healings. These are just a few examples to encourage us to be intentional with our words, using them to generate effective change, proclaim the truth, and bring glory to God.
