So Powerful Are Words
I never really realized the power in the words we speak. The Scripture teaches us that words have an undefined power. After all God spoke us into existence! But it never occurred to me the significance of the spoken word. I have always known that the Bible said that “God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Even the small school children are taught the lesson of creation. It was not until I heard a sermon about the power of the tongue that, for me, the concept was realized.
Lets step back, take a deep breath and think about this for a moment. We were SPOKEN into existence…
The moment of clarity, a power in spoken words. Though creation was the voice of God, man was also afforded power in spoken words as we discuss below. I suddenly began to understand the reality and the potential consequences of that reality…
God Speaks Creation
Spoken Words
First, a discussion of God’s words. Lets look at Genesis and what it says about God speaking creation. Pay close attention to how the creation of our existence takes place. In each step God “says” something about creation and it happens:
Genesis 1 (KJV)
Genesis 1:1-2
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:3-5
3 AND GOD SAID, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Genesis 1:6-10
6 AND GOD SAID, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 AND GOD SAID, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:11-13
11 AND GOD SAID, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
Genesis 1:14-19
14 AND GOD SAID, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Genesis 1:20-23
20 AND GOD SAID, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Genesis 1:24-25
24 AND GOD SAID, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:26-28
26 AND GOD SAID, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29-31
29 AND GOD SAID, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. 31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Mans Words Shape Thought
Spoken Words
Second, a discussion of Man’s words. Lets look at the effects of man’s arrogance and self indulgence. But also look at Man’s potential to influence change from truth when it is in his heart.
Spoken Words Have Power
Scripture goes on to teach us that our words, the words of mankind, have great power. The spoken words of man become powerful and God warns that this power can not be ignored without consequence. Unfortunately, most of us do not understand or perceive what this really means. That by thoughtless spoken words we can influence the lives and thoughts of others. Influence either in a positive or in a negative way.
Words Shape Beliefs
That by our irresponsible statements or objections we may shape beliefs like a pebble in a pond. The still water is disturbed and the rings of water can expand out from the center. You never know just how far those rings may progress and just what the influence might be. This power creates a responsibility that in our blissful ignorance we often ignore. This power creates accountability as well, we are held to a higher standard for the consequences of our spoken words. We move through life thinking all those things we have said are of no consequence when in fact each thing we said has a clear consequence…
Spoken Thought Creation
Is there the possibility that we have spoken our feelings into existence? If we are speaking in anger, in frustration or in fear is it not also a possibility that we have spoken these things into existence for others? Is it not possible that we have transferred our anger, our fear or our rage onto others by creation through the power of spoken words? Have we become a clear and present weapon of destruction when manipulated by the enemy? So we are left with a responsibility to combat the negative aspects of the spoken words.
Positive Use of Words
If we are speaking creation of thoughts, feelings or ideas we can use the opportunity. The power of the spoken words can become a method to strengthen, to inspire, to bring love and joy if used in the proper way…
Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
1 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Man’s Negative Messages
Spoken Words
Set Off by Life’s Stress
So many things in our daily lives that can set us off. The long line in a grocery store when we are short on time. The cashier is too slow, the person ahead of us is taking their own sweet time putting their items on the belt. It becomes so easy to utter a harsh word in our frustration. How about that person that cuts you off in traffic. Or the restaurant server who gets our food order wrong, it takes to long or it was delivered cold. These are just the lighter frustrations that often increase the pressures in a world that constantly pushes us. Things consistently chipping away at our self control. Perhaps some of the bigger things like someone who says hurtful things, lies told about you that are not true or someone betrays a trust…
Cursing with Spoken Words
The spoken words are so often used in anger. And many believe that they are just words. Speaking a negative message at someone is a curse intended for them at that moment. So often we are hurt by someone and strike out in a moment of weakness. But once the words have been spoken they can not be put back in. When spoken thoughtlessly they can cause damage and emotional pain. These emotions are much deeper than physical pain.
James 3:5-8 (KJV)
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Man’s Accountable
Spoken Words
Can’t Tame the Tongue
We have all heard the saying, “Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” However, the Scripture teaches us a different lesson. It warns very clearly of the power of the spoken words and how they can easily be used as a tool of the enemy. Most of the time the angry words, sarcastic words or mocking words are causing unseen damages. Sometimes the damages are never repaired. However, man in his arrogance thinks that he can control himself. The Scripture states outright that man alone can not tame the tongue it requires the power of God to control it.
An Impact on Others
Perhaps we did not understand that the things we have spoken could have such a profound impact on others. We did not intend actual harm with our words but ignorance of the fact does not negate the result. Damage can occur with irresponsibility in those moments when we lose our reason in pain or in anger. Perhaps it is just a fleeting moment of cruelty without any real reason at all.
Accountable for our Words
With understanding comes the opportunity to change how we communicate, how we interact. To take responsibility for the words we speak. We have the chance to attempt to control or direct the circumstances. The option to be silent, to prevent the negative impact on others. The scripture warns that we are accountable for all the things that we have said. Imagine accountability for a lifetime of spoken words…
Matthew 12:36-37
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Shaping Man’s Children
Spoken Words
Thoughtless Words Damage
So often children can really push us, they try our patience and defy their instructions. They rebel, sometimes show no respect and can push their parents to the limits. We only want what is best for the children but with a thoughtless word so much unintentional damage can be the result. As children grow and begin to test themselves out they are also testing us. They can sometimes be an embarrassment or disappoint us based on our own expectations of what they should be doing. When we lose our temper, even if only for a moment, curse our children with a harsh word, it can have lasting effects. Sometimes in their innocence they can be thoughtless or cruel. Something as simple as “don’t be stupid” could cause deep emotional pain in the right circumstances. I have heard some say far worse in anger.
Let’s Bless the Children
We must always remember the power of the spoken word as the Scripture warns us. Just like we can Bless each other with words we can curse each other with spoken words. Sculpting a child like a lump of clay into the person they are intended to become. With our spoken words we affect changes in who they are and who they will be. The influence of the spoken words are an opportunity to improve and strengthen character. An opportunity to Bless the children and assist them in how they view themselves. An opportunity to teach them, guide them to how they will ultimately view the world…
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Spoken Messages
Spoken Words
Actionable Power of Words
So once the realization has come that the power of spoken words is actionable it opens unlimited possibilities. A way to affect positive change in the lives of others and in the world. A tool allowing us to influence, to Bless the people around us. A wish for prosperity, kindness and health. A method to assist the lives of those struggling or those in need. Assistance to those in pain or in ways we never thought possible. With the help of God anything is possible as long as the intention is pure.
Share God’s Message
Always remember that the spoken words are also an effective method to share the message of Salvation. Although ultimately the acceptance or rejection of that message is a matter of free will, outside of our control. But our diligence in sharing it should never falter.
The Consequence of Sin
As we realize the power of the spoken words and our weaknesses. With our inability to control them, we must also consider the consequence of sin. As we look back on our actions over our lifetime. So many things that we have said in those moments we are not proud to remember. It is a sorrow to consider the damage we may have influenced in others. Since the enemy uses our words as a tool to purport his evil we become his accomplice when our weakness ultimately serves his purpose. The cruelty of spoken words can become a weapon. The power of the spoken words can affect a result.
Psalm 141:1-3 (KJV)
1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Control the Tongue
Spoken Words
Control Requires God
So how do we take control of ourselves? Scripture teaches us that we can not control ourselves alone. That we must ask God to give us the strength to abstain from sin in the spoken words. That prayer is the method to save us and we must rely on the will of God to protect us from ourselves.
Think Before we Speak
The heart controls what is chosen in the spoken words. If the heart is filled with stress, pain or rage it spills out. It is passed on so it becomes necessary to stop and think before we speak. Recognize the real motive behind why we were about to speak in a particular way. Determine if we should refrain. It is only through the Holy Spirit living in us that we can control ourselves. Only God can control us.
Control with Daily Prayer
As we walk our path in the Spirit and walk more closely with God, only then can we hope to attain the necessary control. Only then will we prevent the enemy from his influence to use us for his purpose. So say a daily prayer for the strength and wisdom necessary to use the spoken words to the will of God. A daily prayer to be shielded from the influence of the enemy. A daily prayer to become a blessing to others in Jesus Name…
For the Love of God,
Sparks
