Words Have PowerNäide

Set a Guard Over Your Mouth

We speak thousands of words daily—on average, about 15,000 per day! But have you ever considered that not a single word we speak is neutral? Words bring either life or death. That may sound intense, but that’s precisely what the Bible says.

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) says:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

David understood the impact of his words when he prayed: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 - NKJV).

Our words can bring blessing, but they can also cause harm—both in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Have you ever said things like, “I could never do that,” or “This is driving me crazy”? Without realizing it, we’re speaking unbelief and negativity.

God calls us to be watchful. We can choose to speak life, faith, and hope. How can you make sure you’re saying words of life instead of destruction?

The key is found in Psalm 119:9 (NKJV):

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”

What you say flows from what you’ve planted in your heart. Luke 6:45 says that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. When you sow life into your heart by continually taking in God’s living Word, life will come out of your mouth.

The opposite is also true: if you sow garbage into your heart by allowing doubt or by watching and listening to things that go against God’s Word, that will come out of your mouth as well.

Take an inventory today of what you watch, read, and listen to. Also, think about what you often say. Does something need to change?

Decide today to set a guard over your mouth and fill yourself with God’s Word so that your words will sow life into your life and the lives of those around you.

Activation:

Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of your words. Pray:

“Holy Spirit, set a guard over my mouth. Help me speak words of life and faith. I choose to stop speaking doubt, worry, and negativity. Let my words line up with Your Word.”