I Choose Today to Make Good Use of My Words

Anyone who knows me knows I am a talker. When I was a child, I was the kid in class who always got called out for talking. Most of the time, my words were mindless wonderings of a little girl, but even at a young age, I can remember being intentional with my harsh words because of being angry, hurt, or frustrated.

As I have gotten older, I have come to realize how important my words are and that I am responsible for them. I try not to be careless with them, nor do I want to intentionally use them for harm.

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words—our tongues. The wisest person to ever live (besides Jesus), King Solomon, tells us as much when he said,

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 NLT

James 3:5 describes our words as a tiny spark that can set a forest on fire!

If you’ve ever felt the sting of someone’s harsh words, you understand their impact. Words have the power to uplift or tear down, to inspire or discourage, to harm or heal. They’re like tools, and the ones we choose to use are important. They affect our well-being, our relationships, and our environment.

Jesus advised against using careless words when He spoke to the Pharisees, “Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you… Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” Matthew 12:36-37 MSG

Today, think about how you can use your words to support others. Maybe you can help rebuild trust that’s been damaged. Ask for forgiveness from those who were hurt by your words. Perhaps take a breath before using your words to ensure what is being said isn’t hurtful. Pause, then speak.

It’s crucial to be mindful of not only what we say but also how we react to hurtful words from others. Being honest about how words affect us is key; change can’t happen without awareness and accountability. Have the courage to set boundaries and let people know when their words have hurt you. 

Reflect on your words today. How can you use them to bring life and encouragement to those around you? Share a positive message with someone, offer an apology if needed, and practice mindful speaking. Let’s make a commitment together to use our words for good and see the positive impact it can have on our lives and the lives of others. Let’s use the power of our words for good!