The Power of Words
Some folks wake up sweet as peach cobbler, but others roll outta bed with their tongue sharpened like a pocket knife, and that’s why Proverbs 18:21 steps onto the porch, leans on the rail, and says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” In Southern terms? Your mouth can either plant a garden or burn down the barn.
Words are powerful little critters. They can bless like Sunday dinner or sting like a wasp in your britches. Jesus even said, “By your words you’ll be justified, and by your words you’ll be condemned" (John 14:6). Translation: heaven’s keeping receipts.
You ever had somebody brag on you so well that you stood up taller? That’s speaking life:
-Encouragement
-Kindness
-Truth told gently
-Prayers whispered heaven‑ward
That stuff can heal a heart faster than Grandma’s chicken soup. Hebrews 10:24 says we oughta “stir one another up to love and good works,” which sounds a whole lot like spiritual gumbo—everybody tossing in something good to add a little more flavor.
Now let’s talk about the other side—the dark arts of the tongue:
-Criticism sharp enough to slice a tomato
-Gossip spread faster than butter on a hot biscuit
-Complaining loud enough to scare the dog.
Proverbs says that kind of talk brings death, and honey, it does. Friendships shrivel. Joy evaporates. Even the cat leaves the room.
James says the tongue is like a tiny spark that can burn down a whole forest, and if you’ve ever said something you wish you could lasso back into your mouth, you know he wasn’t exaggerating.
So, What Do We Do?
-Bless folks.
-Pray for them.
-Tell the truth without being meaner than a wet hen.
-Use your words like porch lights, warm, inviting, and helping folks find their way home.
Lord, help me use my mouth for blessing, not blistering. Keep me from gossiping, grumbling, and growling. Teach me to speak life, truth, and kindness, even when I’m crankier than a rooster in a rainstorm. Make my words a blessing to everyone who hears them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Now go on, and choose to be a blessing today by opening your mouth like you’re handing out fresh, sweet lemonade, not bitter vinegar!
With much love and joy,
Gwen ❤️🌷🦋🎶🙏✝️
