Words have power

Have you ever thought about the power of words?

I don’t think we fully realise the power and impact of the words we speak or the words that have been spoken about us or over us!  In fact for most of us, our lives have largely been shaped by words!  Words that build up or words that cut down, words that heal or words that harm.

Unfortunately many people live with deep wounds caused by hurtful words that have contributed to low self-esteem, broken relationships, mental illness or even suicidal thoughts. The book of Proverbs says:

‘Rash or reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.’  Prov. 12: 18

Despite being written almost 3000 years ago the book of Proverbs has many wise sayings that give instruction on the power of words.

Someone else said that ‘Words are the most powerful thing in the universe. They are containers. They contain faith or fear and they produce after their own kind.’

What kind of world are you creating with your words?
What kind of relationships are you creating with your words?
What kind of self-image are you creating with your words?

Mark Twain said:   “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

The greatest example ever was Jesus who spoke timeless and powerful words of life that were challenging as well as healing, always spoken with humility and yet with such authority that even his enemies could not fault him. His words are still life-changing, which is not surprising as Jesus himself said: “My  words shall never pass away!”

So remember that your words have in them the power of life and death, the power to build life or to destroy it – you choose.