Wonder of Words
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
We’ve all heard it. Many of us have said it. But deep down, we know it isn’t true.
Scripture says, “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). That’s not an exaggeration. Words can shape identities, fuel shame, restore hope, and even shift the direction of someone’s life. We often underestimate that power because we’re surrounded by words—talking, texting, posting, commenting—until language feels cheap and weightless. But God doesn’t see it that way.
The Bible warns that our words can bring real harm. Lying aligns us with “the father of lies” (John 8), twisting truth and eroding trust. Slander and gossip keep relational “wildfires” burning, especially in polarized times. And unwholesome talk—crude, demeaning, or careless words—does more than get a laugh; it shapes how others see us, our faith, and our God.
But the same tongue that can wound also carries enormous potential for life.
We speak life when we tell the truth in love—honest, humble, face-to-face words that help others grow, even when they sting at first. We speak life when we encourage, offering specific, sincere words that can literally “cheer up” an anxious heart (Proverbs 12:25). And we speak life when our speech is saturated with grace, “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
Jesus taught that our words reveal our hearts. One day, he said, we’ll give an account for every careless word. That isn’t meant to crush us, but to wake us up: our words are not throwaway. They are seeds. In a toxic world, they can either spread more poison—or act like flowers that draw brokenness in and help bring healing.
Words have weight. Use them wisely.
Action Steps:
1. Ask God to highlight one harmful pattern in your speech this week (lying, gossip, crude joking). Confess it and choose one concrete boundary to curb it.
2. Every day for the next 7 days, intentionally speak one specific, encouraging word to someone—by text, call, or in person.
This article used generative AI via Pulpit AI to transform one of Chris' sermons into this article. The content is original to CDM, with some help from Pulpit AI adapting it into article form.
