Words of the Wise: The Power of Our Words
Pastor Reed Sowell
Our words carry weight. They shape relationships, influence emotions, and even alter the course of lives. Words can heal or wound, uplift or destroy, encourage or discourage. Proverbs 18:20-21 says, "From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This passage makes it clear—our words are not neutral. They either build up or tear down. Click the link above for the full message.
Words Matter More Than We Think
Many of us grew up hearing the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." While well-intentioned, this saying simply isn’t true. Words do hurt. They leave lasting impacts, shaping our self-perception and our relationships with others.
Scripture tells us that salvation itself hinges not only on belief but also on the confession of our mouths (Romans 10:9). If words are significant enough to play a role in salvation, how much more do they shape our daily lives? Our speech should align with our faith in Jesus, reflecting His love and truth in every conversation.
The Power to Build Up or Tear Down
Proverbs 18:21 states that the tongue holds the power of life and death. Every word we speak either brings life or destruction. Consider the moments when someone’s encouragement lifted your spirit. Now think about the times harsh words left you wounded. Words shape our experiences and influence those around us.
Speaking truth over someone can restore their hope.
Harsh criticism can tear down confidence.
A kind word at the right time can change someone's entire day.
Our words should be intentional, Spirit-led, and filled with grace.
Cleaning Up Our Speech
A friend of mine recently felt convicted about his language and decided to bring back an old-fashioned swear jar. Each time he used profanity, he added a dollar to the jar, holding himself accountable. Even when alone, he recorded every word—an act of honesty and commitment to change.
Not everyone needs a swear jar, but we all need to examine our words. We often hold children to a higher standard than we do ourselves. While we correct them for unkind or inappropriate speech, do we give ourselves a free pass? Honoring God with our words goes beyond avoiding bad language—it’s about speaking with wisdom, kindness, and truth.
Guarding Our Lips
Proverbs 13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin."Similarly, Proverbs 21:23 warns, "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity."
Filtering our words is crucial. Just because a thought crosses our mind doesn’t mean it should be spoken. Wisdom involves knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. This is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. A careless word can cause unnecessary conflict, but thoughtful speech can bring peace.
The Power of Encouragement
In June 2018, I experienced firsthand the life-giving power of words. After my wife and I suffered a miscarriage, a church member approached me on Father’s Day. He acknowledged our loss and said, "Although you don’t get to hold your baby on this side of heaven, you are still a father. Happy Father’s Day."
His words were simple yet intentional. They didn’t erase the pain, but they brought comfort, strength, and hope. Seven years later, I still carry those words with me. This is the impact of life-giving speech.
Choosing Peace Over Conflict
Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Our words have the power to either calm a situation or escalate it.
Parents, consider how we respond to our children. The first time we correct them, we may do so gently. But after the hundredth time, frustration sets in, and our tone changes. Harsh words spark resistance. Gentle correction, however, fosters understanding.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. He diffused conflict with wisdom and grace, whether addressing the woman caught in adultery, speaking to the Samaritan woman, or calming the storm. His strength was evident in His gentleness.
Words That Build Instead of Destroy
Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." The original Greek word for "unwholesome" is sapros, meaning rotten, corrupted, or worthless. If our words aren’t building up, they may be tearing down.
So how can we ensure our words are life-giving?
Speak with intentionality—let your words encourage and uplift.
Pause before speaking—ask if what you’re about to say builds up or tears down.
Follow Jesus’ example—respond with wisdom and gentleness.
A Call to Action
As we go forward, let’s be mindful of the words we speak. Commit to:
Speaking words that bring life rather than destruction.
Guarding your lips and choosing wisdom in speech.
Encouraging others with words that build them up.
Ask yourself: How can I use my words to reflect Jesus today?
Further Reading
"The Power of Words" by Tony Evans – Read here
"Taming the Tongue: Biblical Wisdom on Speech" by Desiring God – Read here
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, The Battle For Your Heart
Explore more resources on faith, spiritual growth, and wisdom at www.viewchurch.co/resources.