The Power of Speech

2 Chronicles 30:22 - “And Hezekiah gave encouragement to all the Levites who taught the good knowledge of the LORD;....”

One can’t fathom how powerful are the words of the tongue are. It can either make or break a person.

I used to wonder what might have been the meaning of “ life and death are on the tip of the tongue”(Proverbs 18:21). No doubt there would be many understandings to it, as whatever we speak may happen. But now I’m starting to realize that, the words which we speak can bring happiness, joy and life into one’s life or tear down a person completely.

We ought to be careful as to what we speak and how we speak (as to how we deliver our speech).

In a fit of anger you say things which you probably mean or don’t. But for certain it does cause deep wounds in the hearer’s heart.

Words of Affirmation, Words of Encouragement are a must to take your fellow person to the next level. You don’t know what the other person might be going through. So just be gentle with your words and actions.

If at all a person has to be chastised, let your words be with love.

The words we speak leave deep impressions in the people. You may just vent out your feelings or anger, but once said and done, the words that have been spoken can’t be taken back at all.

So before saying any harsh word just imagine how would you feel, if the same words were hurled at you. Would you feel happy or sad?

A leader should always speak words of affirmation and encouragement, but correction is also needed.

Correction should also be dealt in a wise manner keeping in mind the words we’re using.

Words can make a person bloom or wither.

How are you words ? Are they making people bloom or wilt?

Speech is also one of the love languages that is considered to be present between a husband and wife.

Words have the power to kill the marital relationship or either to build it up. It all depends on the way it is used.

More often the wife bears the harsh words from her husband, from the society, from her children and even from her parents. She has none to go to.

She thinks her husband would be the one to support her but it’s all a fail. The one who is to support her, hurts her.

In some cases the wife hurls at the husband causing untold wounds.

Both the husband and the wife should keep a watch on their words. The Bible clearly states in Ephesians 4:26 that, “ do not sin in anger.”

Hmmmmm... People generally think about physical murder when they read “ do not sin in anger.” But don’t realize that bashing people with the words spoken out of anger is also one way of murder.

Our words should lift the spirits of the other person. They should be like water to their dry spirit bringing them back to life.

Now you’ll might wonder “how do I control my words while I’m angry?”

No doubt in a martial relationship or in general there will be friction but we as a Godly people should not give into it but overcome it. “For we are more than conquerors in Christ.”( Romans 8:37).

I’ll just tell you how we practice:-

@ don’t speak anything while the other person vents out, as it will add more fuel to the heated atmosphere. Stay calm and listen.

@ tell God about the situation and how you feel or how angry you are. It helps you calm down and automatically you’re involving God in your situation for a better solution and a healthy relationship. As the song says, “Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

@still pissed off, then take a piece of paper or a book, and start writing it down as if you’re writing the letter to God. This also works to cool down the air.

@ finally when the things are cool after some time, gently put forward your opinion. Be gentle and caring and clearly do explain what was on your mind. And it’s better to say sorry first even you’re right. And God will be in control as you previously spoke to Him.

If at all you have to correct your spouse in any situation, please do not vent out your anger at them but think of the things that I’ve shared and try them and correct your loved ones with love and with the intervention of God.

Remember according to Proverbs 15:1 - “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Hezekiah spoke words of encouragement or he spoke encouragingly. This built the relationship between the people and him and it comforted the people under his reign. And he also recognized the efforts and skills of the people.

Always recognize the effort or skill the other person has and be grateful and do let them know through your words and actions. Letting the other person know how grateful you are for them brings joy and life into their lives. It does bring a huge amount of difference which you would love.

So let us all strive to perfection and be watchful of our words and encourage each other. The power of speech plays a major in an individual’s life.

Let us together spread the Love of God and spread positivity.

God bless.