You have a power you may have never considered before. The Bible acknowledges that you have this power. You, and you alone, control this power—and you’ve had it most of your life. What is it? The power is your words. Words? Think about it.
Just how powerful are words? Consider: Generals can use inspirational words to rally an army to victory against a greater foe. The motivational words of a coach can spur a team on to success, even when defeat seems imminent. Also consider examples closer to home: How much can the right words from a best friend change your mood when you are discouraged? Or how much can a harsh, biting joke or insult discourage you? Yes, words are powerful!
It has often been said that the pen is mightier than the sword—meaning that the written word can effect more changes than even war. Yet it’s arguable that the spoken word—with the emotion, the passion, the facial expressions—is even more powerful than the written word.
And you have that power! How wisely do you use it? Considering the immense impact you can have on the lives of others—for good or evil—isn’t it worth thinking about your choice of words?
The Bible says yes.
This study will help you realize the power of your words. It will show you, from your own Bible, how to say the right thing at the right time. It will give you the tools you need to positively impact others. It will also show you what benefits choosing your words wisely will bring to you.
Before you begin, get out your Bible, so you can turn to each scripture mentioned. Writing or typing out the scriptures will help you learn the lessons, and also help you remember the principles contained in them later on. Now, let’s begin this study!
The Power of Words
1. Does the Bible tell us that what we say can have a huge impact on others? Read James 3:2-10.
2. Can we do great harm with our choice of words? Proverbs 12:18 (first part). Will this often result in arguing and fighting? Proverbs 18:6-7.
A careless or spiteful word can do great damage to a friendship. An ill-timed, mean joke can offend someone deeply. Once we speak, we cannot take our words back. The damage has already been done! That’s why it is so important to think before we speak.
3. Can our words also bring great benefits to ourselves and others? Proverbs 12:18 (last part), 25; 16:24.
Our words have great power, for good or evil. So it is vitally important that we choose the right words! But how do we know what to say? How do we know when to speak up and when to keep silent? Thankfully, the Bible gives us principles we can apply in our daily lives.
4. What is the overriding principle we should apply whenever we speak? Ephesians 4:15.
Whenever we speak, we should keep the principles of this verse in mind. It mentions two specific guidelines: 1) always speak the truth, and 2) speak out of love. We will examine both parts of this verse.
Always Speak the Truth
1. Is it important to always speak the truth? Proverbs 12:22; 19:9; 20:17. Does God command that we tell the truth? Exodus 20:16.
There can be a temptation to bend the truth to make yourself look good, or to avoid making yourself look bad, but that will come back to haunt you. If you exaggerate your accomplishments, for example, sooner or later the truth will probably get out. If you try to pin blame for your mistakes on others, word will likely get back to the people you have been dishonest about. This will tarnish your reputation far more than telling the truth would have. Plus, lying always leaves you with guilt and fear of getting caught. So don’t give in to the temptation to be dishonest! Even if you think you’ve gotten away with your lie—or even if is seems harmless—there is always a penalty for breaking God’s law. Honesty is always the best policy.
2. Should we flatter people? Proverbs 26:28; 28:23.
Flattery is dishonest. If you flatter people and they later find out what you really think, they will not appreciate your insincere praise. Instead, we should be sincere and honest, yet tactful and kind. If your friend asks your opinion about something, be honest about it. Don’t tell them you agree with what they are doing if you don’t! If your friend is doing something that you know will cause them harm, you should talk to them about it.
3. If we are honest, does that mean we always have to be blunt and tell people our opinion all the time? Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7.
There is a time to be silent. Sometimes, things are better left unsaid. If you aren’t asked for your opinion, and the issue at hand is relatively insignificant, there is no need to inject your thoughts if they will offend someone. This leads right into the next part of Ephesians 4:15—making sure our words are motivated by love for others.
Speak Out of Love
1. If something is motivated by love, it will be intended to help or edify others. Thus, is it ever wise to put other people down? Proverbs 11:12-13.
Notice that those who are wise will not “despise” their neighbors (or acquaintances) by speaking evil of them.
2. Does gossiping cause great harm to others? Proverbs 16:28; 17:9.
Some people spread gossip to intentionally harm others. This is wrong and will come back to bite you—people will learn not to trust you. Sometimes we spread gossip because we like to show we have the “latest news.” But spreading mean things about other people is never right—even if what we are saying is true. Gossip is never motivated by love, and therefore should not be done.
3. Should we boast? Proverbs 27:1-2.
Boasting is not motivated by love. It is motivated by selfish desire to make self look good. Instead of boasting, seek to build other people up (Ephesians 4:29). You’ll be surprised to find how many people will notice and be thankful if you say positive things about them. They are likely to begin returning the favor.
4. To make sure what we are saying is motivated by love, do we need to think first before we speak? Proverbs 29:20; James 1:19.
It’s very easy, especially when you are upset, to blurt out the first thing that pops into your head. Resist that urge! What you say without thinking may be a lot harsher than what you actually believe—and the results to your friendship could be disastrous. Think before you speak, especially when you are emotional. Think: Is what I am saying truthful? Is it motivated by love? If you cannot honestly answer yes to both of those questions, do not speak! Wait until your emotions have settled down before speaking. If in doubt, it is better to say nothing. You will be glad you did later.
Seek God’s Help
1. Will God help give us wisdom, if we ask (and obey) Him, so we can apply these principles? James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6-7; Isaiah 50:4.
Pray for God to give you wisdom! Pray for Him to help you know what to say at the right time. Pray for the ability to control your temper. God will help you if you are sincerely working to obey Him (1 John 3:22).
2. If you think before you speak, exercising wisdom in your choice of words, will God bless you for it? Proverbs 13:3; 1 Peter 3:10-11.
God’s way of life is a law. God gave us His law to bring us joy and happiness. Obeying the law will always bring blessings—and violating it will always bring curses. Being careful to always speak the truth in love will thus bring blessings to you! You will know you are not offending others. You will not have to worry about lies or half-truths coming back to bite you. Your friends will be able to trust you and take you into their confidence, knowing you will not gossip about them. They will appreciate the nice things you say about them to others and will begin to treat you with the same kindness.
True, you will still make mistakes—none of us can bridle our tongues perfectly. But if you keep these principles in mind and diligently work to apply them, you will find you make fewer and fewer mistakes with time.
So recognize the great power of your words. Remember that the right words can really help others. The wrong words can stain your reputation and hurt your friendships. Choose your words wisely—and God will bless you!