The Power of Your Words
Daily Rays of Hope #87
Speak Life: Your Words Have Power
Based on Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21, NIV
There is creative force in the words we speak. Scripture reveals that life and death reside in the power of the tongue. Our words are not casual or empty — they carry weight in the spirit and shape the direction of our lives. Proverbs 18:21 isn’t simply poetic language; it is a divine truth. God has given us authority, and that authority is often expressed through our speech.
What you speak is a reflection of what you truly believe. Luke 6:45 affirms, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When your heart is full of faith, peace, and truth, your words will reflect it. When your heart is weighed down with fear or negativity, that too will be evident in your speech. That is why guarding the heart is so essential — because from it flows the language that sets the course of your life.
Speak What Heaven Says
God created the world with words. He spoke, and it was so. As image-bearers of God, we too have been entrusted with the ability to speak and see things shift. Job 22:28 gives us this powerful promise:
“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways.”
When we decree truth, hope, healing, and alignment with God’s will, we are not speaking wishful thinking — we are speaking in faith, agreeing with what heaven says about our situation. Victory, breakthrough, and transformation often begin not in changed circumstances but in changed language.
It is not enough to believe silently; we must declare boldly. Romans 10:10 says, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Our profession matters. Your words set the atmosphere of your life. Speak defeat, and you will empower discouragement. Speak life, and you invite heaven’s power to intervene.
Words That Shift Atmospheres
This doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means we choose to speak life even in the face of death. We speak joy when sorrow is present. We speak peace when anxiety tries to overwhelm us. This is not denial — it is spiritual warfare.
Jesus demonstrated this when He spoke to the storm in Mark 4:39:
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
He didn’t speak about the storm. He spoke to it — with authority. That same Spirit now lives in us, giving us access to declare what aligns with God’s kingdom rather than surrendering to what we see.
Three Ways to Seek God’s Will and Walk This Scripture Daily:
1. Begin Each Day With a Spoken Declaration
Take a moment each morning to speak life over your day. Declare scriptures out loud such as, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Your first words set the tone.
2. Correct Negative Speech Immediately
Be vigilant. If you catch yourself speaking fear, doubt, or defeat — stop and correct it. Replace it immediately with truth. Say aloud, “Lord, I repent for speaking contrary to Your word. I declare that You are in control and all things are working for my good.”
3. Speak Life Over Others Consistently
Your words have the power to build others up. Make it a daily habit to encourage someone — a family member, a coworker, or even yourself. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Final Encouragement
You are not powerless. God has given you a voice, and your voice holds power. Don’t use it to echo defeat. Use it to speak life, to declare victory, and to partner with heaven in shaping a future full of promise. Speak boldly, speak faithfully, and watch as your words become seeds that bear fruit in due season.