Sunday Sermonettes # 088
The Tongue Has the Power of Life and Death
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
It is surprising how we try to control, direct, and even dominate others through our words. We try to steer people in the direction we think is best for them.
This attitude comes from thinking we have the right to direct or dictate. Even when our intentions are good, our words can place people in a kind of prison.
So be careful how you use your words. Do not try to play God in the lives of others.
Instead, encourage someone with your words today. Build confidence in others. Relationships and trust are shaped by what we say. Bless others with your words—and let them choose the direction they should take.
When Words Become Control
Sometimes our words go beyond guidance and become control. We may speak in ways that pressure, manipulate, or quietly impose our will on others.
It may sound like concern. It may even feel like love. But when we take away another person’s freedom to choose, we step into a place that does not belong to us.
We are called to speak truth in love—not to control outcomes, but to point others toward what is right and allow them to walk in it.
Not only do we speak this way at times, but we may also be shaped by the words others have spoken over us.
Even when words have been spoken wrongly over you, they do not have the final place in your life. God’s truth is what remains. Scripture reminds us: “an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
Words That Shape Lives—Ours and Others’
Every word you speak is like a seed planted over time. It grows and produces fruit. When the seed is good, it brings nourishment and life to the soul.
Take time to examine your words. What habits have you formed? Do your words carry negativity or hope?
Often, without realizing it, the way we speak begins to shape our lives and the lives of those around us.
The Responsibility of Our Words
Careless words can hurt deeply. But the same tongue can also bring healing. A simple apology or a humble prayer can begin to repair what was broken and restore what was lost.
This reminds us how seriously our words matter. Jesus warned that we will give an account for every careless word we speak.
James also reminds us that the tongue is small, but it has great power—like a small fire that can set a whole forest ablaze.
When Words Go Wrong: Returning with Humility
But there is also grace. If you have made mistakes or spoken wrongly, you can return to God with sincere repentance—a genuine willingness to turn away from what is wrong.
As the prophet Hosea says: “Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’”
Therefore, let us return to God with sincere hearts. There is hope, even for the words we have spoken wrongly. As we repent, God is able to bring good even out of the harm our words have caused.
Bible references:
- Proverbs 18:21
- Ephesians 4:15
- Matthew 12:36
- James 3:5–6 (and surrounding passage in James 3)
- Hosea 14:2
- Proverbs 26:2
- A Short Meditation on the Precious Blood of Jesus
Featured image courtesy: Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay
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