Your Words Matter
Genesis 1:3 (NLT) Then God SAID, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Hebrews 11:3 (ESV) By faith we understand that the universe was created by the WORD of God…
Hebrews 1:3 (CEV) By His own mighty WORD, He holds the universe together.
Psalm 107:20 (ESV) He sent out His WORD and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) So is My WORD that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Have you ever considered the power of your own words? Or why they matter?
1. Your words matter — In prayer
Daniel 10:11-12 (NKJV) And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 11 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand [pray], and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”
How often do we underestimate our prayers?
Acts 12:13-15 (NLT) He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” 15 “You’re out of your mind!”
James 1:7-8 (NKJV) For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 he is a double-minded man…
When we are confident in our prayers, heaven notices and miracles happen.
2. Your words matter — In the lives of others
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death…
James 3:8-10 (NLT) the tongue…is restless [undisciplined] and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
Negative words…
Blame and point the finger
Manipulate and control
Demand our way
Force our opinion
Punish
Place judgment and condemnation
Place shame and guilt
Express our anger
Tear down and belittle
Embarrass, humiliate, and make fun
Sarcastic
Lie and gossip
Rude, cold, and uncaring
Intentionally hurt
Ephesians 4:29 (NET) You must let no unwholesome [putrid, harmful] word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear.
Positive words…
Comfort and exhort
Encourage and build up
Mercy and grace
Love and forgiveness
Gentleness and kindness
Teach and instruct
Equip and empower
Life and hope
Compassion and empathy
Demonstrate and reflect the heart of God
Ephesians 4:32 (NET) Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate [tenderhearted], forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
How do you want to use your words?
A. Practice self-control
Proverbs 17:27 (NIV) The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
B. Practice silence
Proverbs 21:23 (NLT) Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
Proverbs 13:3 (NLT) Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
C. Practice kindness
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 11:17 (NLT) Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
3. Your words matter — Within yourself
We will never be able to speak life and be kind to others if we don’t feel good about ourselves first.
Would you dare tell another person some of the things you tell yourself?
Proverbs 15:4 (AMP) Gentle words [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.
1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Why is it so important for us to use our words wisely?
Matthew 12:36 (NLT) But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty [careless, useless, idle, thoughtless] word they have spoken.
Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) Fear of the Lord is the foundation [beginning] of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.