The Power of Our Words: It Can Build or Destroy – PROVERBS 15:4

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

One of the beauty of the Bible is that it contains instructions and insights including our actions on a daily basis and today, we’ll talk about the power of the words we speak.

Indeed, the Bible is right about our tongue being a sword. Unlike any other parts of our bodies use for defence, words coming out of our tongue can crush among any other, including the soul of both the listener and the one who speaks.

In today’s passage, we are reminded to be careful with the word we release to others and even to ourselves. A deceitful tongue can crush, such as speaking words that demean others, making them feel insignificant, misleading and manipulative words. While a tongue that is gentle, such as encouragement, uplifting, forgiving, teaching, lovingly rebukes, valuing others is a Tree of life. It releases power that inspires others to bear fruit.

Listen to the words you tell yourself, listen to your thoughts before you speak – they have power. They can either uplift, or put down yourself others. Let’s seek the help of the Lord to fill us and sanctify us in this aspect, to be careful and discerning of the what we say.