Am I Speaking Life? How Your Words Shape Your World
- Chad Fisher
- Mar 5, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 12
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
We need to realize the power of the tongue. We’ve all heard the childhood phrase: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
As we grow older, we realize how untrue that is. Words may not break bones, but they can break hearts, crush dreams, and destroy relationships. On the other hand, they can also inspire, heal, and bring hope.
The Bible says plainly: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). That means every word you speak has an effect — either building up or tearing down.
God’s Word contains strong encouragement and serious warnings about how we use our speech. Let’s look at key Bible verses that teach us to speak life.
Bible Verses About Speaking Life
(With Key Takeaways)
Psalm 34:12–13 (ESV) – “What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
Key Point: A long, blessed life is tied to keeping our speech truthful and pure.
Proverbs 13:3 (ESV) – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Key Point: Self-control in speech protects your future; careless talk can destroy it.
Proverbs 21:23 (ESV) – “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Key Point: Many troubles in life can be avoided simply by choosing silence over rash words.
Proverbs 15:4 (ESV) – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
Key Point: Kind, gentle words refresh the soul; harsh words crush it.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Key Point: Words produce fruit—good or bad—and you will taste the harvest of what you speak.
Matthew 12:33–37 (ESV) – “…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks… on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Key Point: Your words reveal your heart, and you will answer to God for every idle or harmful word.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV) – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Key Point: Speech should be gracious and well-chosen, adding value and wisdom to every conversation.
James 1:26 (ESV) – “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
Key Point: Uncontrolled speech can make all outward religion meaningless.
James 3:2–10 (ESV) – “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things… With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people… My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
Key Point: The tongue is small but powerful—capable of blessing or destroying. God calls us to use it only for blessing.
Speaking Life to Others — and to Yourself
It’s easy to focus on speaking kindly to others, but what about the words you say to yourself?
After a mistake, do you mutter things like, “I’m so stupid”? If so, you may be speaking death over your own life.
The Holy Spirit calls us to speak life — words that are gracious, seasoned with salt, and full of truth and hope.
Practical Steps to Speak Life Every Day
Pause Before You Speak – Ask, “Will this build up or tear down?”
Fill Your Heart with God’s Word – Your mouth speaks what your heart stores.
Replace Negativity with Encouragement – Speak hope even when correcting.
Speak God’s Truth Over Yourself – Replace “I can’t” with “I can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13 ESV).
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Help – He will give you words of life in every situation.
Final Challenge
Evaluate your speech this week. Are your words creating life or spreading death? Make the decision to let the Holy Spirit guide your tongue so your speech reflects the heart of Christ.
The tongue can be a powerful force for good or evil. Read the following post: Words Matter: 39 Bible Verses about the Power of the Tongue and the consequences of using it unwisely.
Want more insight on how your words shape your life?
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