Speak with Purpose: How Your Words Can Build or Destroy
When we think about power, nothing compares to the power of God’s Word—it’s living, active, and eternal. God’s Word never fails, and He holds His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2). From the very beginning, we see its power in action. In Genesis, God spoke, and the entire universe came into existence. What He says happens. His Word is unchanging, everlasting, and absolutely dependable.
Made in His Image
The Bible tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This means we share certain attributes with Him, including the power of our words. Just like God’s words have the power to create and change things, our words also carry significant weight. They can build up, encourage, and create, or they can tear down, discourage, and destroy.
Biblical Examples of Words Changing Situations
1. Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
At Joshua’s command, the Israelites shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed, leading to their victory:
Joshua 6:16, 20 (NIV): “The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!’ … When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.”
2. David and Goliath
David declared God’s victory over Goliath before the battle even began, and with his words, he set the stage for defeating the giant:
1 Samuel 17:45-47, 49-50 (NIV): “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.’ … Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”
3. Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
Elijah spoke to God in prayer, calling down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving that the Lord is the true God:
1 Kings 18:36-38 (NIV): “At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.’ Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.”
4. Elisha Cursing the Youths Who Mocked Him
Elisha’s curse immediately brought consequences for the mocking boys, demonstrating the power and seriousness of spoken words:
2 Kings 2:23-24 (NIV): “From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. ‘Get out of here, baldy!’ they said. ‘Get out of here, baldy!’ He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.”
5. Jesus Calming the Storm
Jesus spoke directly to the wind and waves, commanding them to be still, and the storm ceased instantly:
Mark 4:39 (NIV): “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
How We Should Use Our Words
Think Before You Speak
Be careful with your words, using them thoughtfully and intentionally. “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3).
Choose Words That Build Up
Speak words that build up rather than tear down. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
Lift Others Up with Encouragement
Use your words to uplift and encourage those around you. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Steer Clear of Gossip and Slander
Avoid speaking negatively about others behind their backs. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29).
Practice Patience in Conversations
Take time to think before you speak, ensuring that your words are appropriate and constructive. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
Deliver Truth with Compassion
Always be honest, but deliver the truth with kindness and compassion. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
