The Power of Our Words: Embracing Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” —Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
This powerful verse underscores the immense impact our words can have, both on others and ourselves. As men striving to live in alignment with God’s will, we must be mindful of the words we speak and the narratives we embrace. The significance of positive, faith-filled speech cannot be overstated in our journey toward spiritual growth and personal development.
This has been so evident in my life. When my thinking is not aligned with God’s word, I begin to act according to the lies I believe. This leads to tension in my life, because I am a new creation, and I should no longer live according to the flesh but according to the spirit. It also impacts how I see others and speak to others. When my mind is filled with God’s word, then His word will flow out of my life, and when I walk by the spirit, I see others in light of the Gospel.
Speaking Life to Others
Our words can either build up or tear down those around us. Encouragement, affirmation, and truth spoken in love can inspire and uplift, while criticism, negativity, and falsehood can harm and discourage. Proverbs 12:25 reminds us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
One of the most profound examples of this can be seen in the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Paul recognized Timothy’s potential and spoke life into his ministry. In 2 Timothy 1:6–7, Paul writes, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” Paul’s words were not just encouragement but a powerful reminder of Timothy’s calling and the strength available to him through the Holy Spirit.
As men of faith, we are called to emulate Paul’s example. Whether within our families, churches, or communities, we have the opportunity to speak words that bring life, hope, and encouragement. One of the best things we can say is, “I am sorry. Will you forgive me?” As men we need to lead the way in owning up to our mistakes when we fall short.
Speaking Life to Ourselves
Equally important is the way we speak to ourselves. The internal dialogue we maintain can profoundly influence our mental and spiritual well-being. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guarding our hearts involves monitoring the words and thoughts we allow to take root within us.
Negative self-talk can be a significant barrier to personal growth. When we tell ourselves lies such as “I’m not good enough,” “I can’t change,” or “God can’t use someone like me,” we limit our potential and undermine our faith. Instead, we must replace these lies with God’s truth: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), and “God has a plan for me, plans to prosper and not to harm” (Jeremiah 29:11). An excellent way to replace the negative words (or lies) we have believed is by memorizing scripture that speaks the truth of who we are in Christ.
The Role of Community
One of the most effective ways to nurture positive speech in our lives is by surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of believers. Fellowship with other men who are committed to following Jesus helps us stay accountable and get the encouragement we need. In such a strong brotherhood, we can share our struggles, triumphs, and doubts, knowing that our brothers in Christ will speak truth and love into our lives. When our words do not align with the truth, our friends can gently remind us of the truth and point us toward a renewed mind.
At The Redeemed, we emphasize the importance of brotherhood. Our small groups and retreats, such as the Renewed Men’s Retreat, are designed to foster environments where men can speak life into each other. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy, we can encourage one another to live out our God-given potential.
Conclusion
The power of our words, as highlighted in Proverbs 18:21, is a profound reminder of our ability to influence both ourselves and others. By speaking life, we align ourselves with God’s truth and help build a community that reflects His love and grace. Let us commit to using our words to uplift, encourage, and inspire, both in our interactions with others and in our self-talk. In doing so, we will not only transform our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
For more resources and community support, visit The Redeemed and join us in our mission to help men awaken their true selves, forge brotherhood, and ignite their fire for God.
Check out the September 5, 2024 podcast episode with Ron Acosta to see how words spoken over his life impacted him and how they were reversed by the powerful beliefs of others in his life.
Connect with The Redeemed Community
If you’re inspired to explore the transformative power of spiritual freedom and would like to journey alongside like-minded believers, consider joining one of The Redeemed’s small groups. Whether you prefer meeting in person or connecting online, our community is here to support and grow with you. Join us and discover how surrendering together can lead us into greater freedom.
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