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My Thoughts for Today: The Power of the Tongue
Our tongue is powerful, and we must be very careful how we use it. The Bible clearly tells us:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
(Proverbs 18:21)
This scripture makes it clear that our words are not empty. Every word we speak carries power. Our words can create life, bring healing, open doors, and build destinies. At the same time, careless words can destroy relationships, delay blessings, and invite consequences we never intended.
Many people speak without thinking, not knowing that words spoken in anger, pride, fear, or ignorance can shape their future. As believers, we must learn to speak intentionally, guided by the Spirit of God.
Background Story: Jacob and Laban (Words Spoken in Ignorance)
One powerful example of the danger of careless words is found in the story of Jacob and Laban.
When Laban accused Jacob of stealing his household idols, Jacob boldly declared:
“With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live.”
(Genesis 31:32)
Jacob did not know that the idols were actually with his wife, Rachel. Although Laban did not find the idols at that time, the truth was that Rachel had taken them. Later in Scripture, Rachel died during childbirth (Genesis 35:16–19).
The Bible does not directly say, “Rachel died because of Jacob’s words,” but the lesson is very clear. Jacob spoke a judgement carelessly, without full knowledge, and those words aligned with an eventual tragic outcome. This teaches us that words spoken casually can have long-term consequences.
This story shows us why we must be careful with strong declarations, curses, or judgements, especially when emotions are high or facts are incomplete.
Second Example: Doubting God’s Word Through Speech
Another clear example is found in 2 Kings 7 during a time of severe famine in Samaria.
Prophet Elisha declared:
“Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel…”
(2 Kings 7:1)
A royal officer responded with doubt and sarcasm, saying:
“Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?”
(2 Kings 7:2)
Elisha replied:
“Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.”
(2 Kings 7:2)
Exactly as spoken, the prophecy came to pass. The officer saw the abundance but died before he could partake of it (2 Kings 7:17–20). His words of doubt did not stop God’s miracle, but they stopped him from enjoying it.
This teaches us a serious lesson: speaking against what God has spoken can exclude us from blessings, even when the blessing still comes.
Additional Lessons About the Tongue
1. Words Can Set the Direction of Your Life
Words are not just sounds we make; they are instructions we give to our lives. The Bible compares the tongue to a rudder that controls a large ship (James 3:4–5). Even though the rudder is small, it determines where the ship will go. In the same way, your words may seem small, but they determine the direction your life takes over time.
Many people unknowingly speak themselves into trouble. They constantly say things like “Nothing good ever works for me,” “I will never succeed,” or “This is how my life will always be.” Over time, those words begin to shape their mindset, their decisions, and even their expectations. What you speak consistently is what you begin to believe.
This is why God is very intentional about words. When God wanted to create the world, He did not think it into existence, He spoke. Light appeared because God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). If God uses words to create, we should be careful how we use ours.
If you want your life to move in a better direction, start by changing your words. Speak faith even when things look difficult. Speak hope even when circumstances are discouraging. Over time, your words will begin to align your heart, your actions, and your future with God’s plan.
Your words can steer your life in a positive or negative direction. What you consistently say eventually becomes what you experience.
2. Words Reveal What Is Truly in the Heart
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). This means our words are a reflection of what we have allowed to settle inside us. When bitterness, fear, pride, or unbelief fills the heart, it will eventually come out through speech.
This is why controlling the tongue is not just about trying harder to speak nicely. It starts with allowing God to work on the heart. If the heart is healed, the words will naturally change. A heart filled with faith will speak faith. A heart filled with love will speak love.
Sometimes, we are surprised by the things we say when we are angry or pressured. But those moments reveal areas God still wants to heal. Instead of just feeling guilty about wrong words, we should take them as signals that God wants to do deeper work in us.
When we spend time in the Word of God, our hearts are gradually transformed. Scripture renews our minds and reshapes our inner thoughts. As the Word fills our hearts, our speech becomes more aligned with God’s truth, wisdom, and character.re.
3. Words Can Either Release or Block God’s Work
God’s promises are powerful, but how we respond to them with our words matters. The story of the king’s officer in 2 Kings 7 shows us that God can still perform a miracle, yet a person can disqualify themselves from enjoying it through unbelief spoken out loud.
The officer did not stop God from bringing abundance, but his words stopped him from partaking in it. This teaches us that speaking against what God has said can limit our personal experience of His blessings, even when God is still working.
Many times, God speaks promises into our lives through His Word, prayer, or prophecy. But instead of agreeing with God, we sometimes speak fear, doubt, or logic that contradicts faith. When we do this, we place ourselves in opposition to what God wants to do.
Faith is not just believing silently; it is also agreeing verbally with God. When God speaks, our responsibility is to respond with faith-filled words, even when we do not yet understand how it will happen. Speaking in alignment with God’s Word keeps us positioned to receive what He has promised.to us.
How We Should Use Our Tongue
As believers, we must be intentional about how we speak. Here are important reminders:
- Avoid cursing people with your tongue, even in moments of pain or anger.
- Avoid speaking negative or bitter words when emotions are high. Silence can be wisdom.
- Avoid speaking against prophecies or instructions you do not yet understand.
- Avoid speaking evil against anyone, including leaders, family members, elders, yourself, and even your nation.
The Bible warns us clearly:
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.”
(Ephesians 4:29)
Conclusion
The tongue is powerful. With it, we can speak blessings or bring harm. We can pray, encourage, prophesy, and build with our words. We can also destroy, discourage, and delay God’s work when we speak carelessly.
Speaking positively is not something that happens automatically; it is a habit we must develop. It requires self-control, spiritual maturity, and dependence on God. The more we grow in the Word of God, the more our speech aligns with God’s will.
Let us make a conscious decision to speak life daily. Let our words reflect faith, love, wisdom, and hope. When we do this, we will surely eat the good fruit of our words, just as the Bible promises.
