Life and Death in our Words
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” Proverbs 18:21 AMP
When seeking to receive from the life of God, we should learn the power of our words and that words have consequences.
Our words have power: Proverbs 18:21 shows us the tongue has power. God used His words to create the world. Jesus used His words to curse a fig tree. Jesus used His words to heal and set people free. The apostles used their words to minister healing to a lame man when they said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Our salvation is also linked to our confession (Romans 10:9-10).
Our words have authority: Because we have authority on the earth while living in our physical bodies, God works through us in prayer, in declarations, and ministry. Jesus has given His followers authority, as one that represents Him. He has given us the authority of His name, and that in His name, we can command His will to be done in the earth.
Our words can build up: Our words can encourage someone else, building them up (Ephesians 4:29). We can bless God through words that express our heart. When we worship, we praise Him and lift Him up. This opens us up to experience Him and His life. When we bless a person, we are extending grace, sharing favor, and asking for success. When we show grace to another, we open ourselves up to receive God’s grace for ourselves.
Our words can tear down: When we gossip or speak slanderous words of another person or condemning words to a person, our words can have negative results. Our words can curse someone, which withholds grace, denies favor, and asks for punishment. When we deny grace and mercy to others, unless God is asking us to pronounce His judgment, it can limit the grace bestowed to us. Even Satanists understand this principle and try to curse churches and Christians. However, no person can curse what God has blessed. In addition, it is vital that we stay submitted to God to stay under His protection and declare our freedom.
Use wisdom with words: Because there is power in our words and because we want to receive from the life of God, we must submit to God so the words we speak come from a yielded heart (spirit). We turn away from gossip, slander, and malicious words. We shake off opinionated criticisms, bitterness, and offense. We separate ourselves from those who speak against others, refusing to even listen to their curses.
Application: Paul said to believers concerning believers in sin, “Come out from among them and be separate.” Don’t associate with such a person.