Speak Life: Because Words Are More Powerful Than You Think
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
Your Words Are Never Neutral
We live in a culture that throws words around like they’re disposable, but God’s Word paints a very different picture. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” That’s not an overstatement—it’s a reminder that every sentence you speak is carrying weight, either building someone up or tearing them down. Words are like seeds: they never just fall to the ground and disappear. They grow into something, whether that’s joy, courage, bitterness, or doubt.
Think about the last time someone’s words stuck with you. Maybe it was a compliment that made you feel ten feet tall, or maybe it was a careless remark that still stings years later. Words have staying power—they either breathe life into someone’s spirit or leave a bruise that takes a long time to heal. This means our casual “just kidding” comments or quick retorts in frustration might be doing far more damage (or good!) than we realize.
The truth is, we are constantly sowing into the people around us with our speech. Every conversation, text, email, and social media post is an opportunity to plant life or sow destruction. That cashier at the grocery store? Your encouraging words might be the only kind thing they hear all day. That coworker who’s having a rough week? Your patient tone could be the seed that grows into hope. Conversely, sharp, impatient, or sarcastic words can plant discouragement that lingers far beyond the moment.
The good news is, we don’t have to be perfect speakers to make a difference—we just need to be intentional. If we truly believe that our words carry the power of life and death, then every interaction is a chance to reflect the heart of Christ. Instead of letting words fly unchecked, we can pause and ask ourselves: Will this plant life, or will it plant weeds?
Why Speaking Life Is an Act of Faith
Speaking life isn’t just about being positive or “keeping things nice.” It’s about aligning our words with God’s truth, even when our circumstances—or our emotions—are telling us something else. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 12:34 that our words flow from what’s in our hearts. If we’re consistently speaking negativity, criticism, or hopelessness, that’s a sign we need to let God do some heart work in us.
Faith comes into play because speaking life often requires saying things we don’t yet see. It means calling out the good in people even when they’re rough around the edges. It means reminding yourself of God’s promises when your situation looks like the opposite. Think about Abraham—he spoke about being the “father of many nations” long before he held Isaac in his arms (Romans 4:17). Speaking life is faith in action.
It also takes faith to speak life to people who test our patience. That difficult coworker? Speaking life to them doesn’t mean ignoring their behavior—it means choosing to respond in a way that reflects Christ, rather than mirroring their attitude. Faith says, “I believe God can work in this person’s life, and I’m willing to plant seeds of encouragement and truth, even if I don’t see the change yet.”
And here’s the thing—speaking life isn’t about denying reality. It’s about declaring a higher reality: that God is still in control, His Word is still true, and His purposes are still unfolding. It’s about using your mouth to agree with Heaven, even when Earth hasn’t caught up yet.
A Funny Thing About Words
Here’s the tricky part—our tone and delivery can completely change the meaning of what we say. We can make someone feel like a million bucks or like spare change, and sometimes it’s all in how we phrase it. “Are you wearing that?” has a completely different effect than, “You look great in that color!” Both comments address clothing, but one plants confidence while the other plants insecurity.
Humor can be one of the best tools for speaking life, but it comes with a caution sign. Sarcasm, while funny in the moment, often lands harder than we realize. It’s like handing someone a cookie that looks like chocolate chip but turns out to be raisin—you might laugh, but they’re left disappointed (and maybe a little suspicious of your baking skills). Kind humor, on the other hand, is like fresh banana bread—warm, comforting, and leaves people feeling glad they were around you.
The Bible encourages us to season our speech “with grace” (Colossians 4:6), and that includes our jokes. Laughter can heal, bond, and lift someone’s spirit, but it should never come at the expense of someone’s dignity. If the humor cuts more than it comforts, it’s worth rethinking.
In the end, words are a gift from God, meant to be used for encouragement, truth, and blessing. Yes, you can be lighthearted. Yes, you can be funny. But make sure the people on the receiving end walk away feeling built up, not torn down. After all, speaking life means you leave people better than you found them—whether you do it with heartfelt encouragement or a well-timed, kindhearted joke.
Practical Ways to Speak Life This Week
Pause Before You Respond – If what’s about to come out of your mouth can’t pass the “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” test, reword it.
Replace Complaints with Gratitude – Instead of “I can’t believe they messed this up again,” try “Thank you for your hard work—let’s see how we can fix this.”
Call Out the Gold – Point out strengths and potential in others, even when they can’t see it themselves.
Bless Someone Out Loud – Send that encouraging text, tell the cashier she’s doing a great job, or compliment your spouse in front of others.
Speak God’s Word – Scripture is always life-giving when shared with sincerity.
Walk It Out
Set aside 10 minutes today for an intentional walk—not a rushed dash to check off your steps, but a slow, steady pace where your heart can be as active as your feet. As you walk, invite the Holy Spirit to shine a light on your words from the past day, week, or even month. Ask Him to reveal the moments when your words have brought healing—times you’ve encouraged, comforted, or spoken truth in love—and thank Him for using your voice to bless others.
Love in Action
Think about someone who could use a confidence boost—maybe it’s a friend going through a difficult season, a coworker feeling unnoticed, or a family member doubting their worth. Take a moment to look them in the eye and speak life into them. Call out the specific good you see—point to their strengths, acts of kindness, or the ways they’ve made a difference. If you can’t be face-to-face, send them a heartfelt voice memo or text filled with encouragement, or share a Bible verse that reminds them of how deeply they are loved by God. Don’t just offer a generic “you’re great”; speak with sincerity and detail so they know you truly see them. Your words might be the spark that reignites their courage and faith.
