The Power of Words: Choosing Life Over Death

“Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences.” – Proverbs 18:21

Words are not just sounds or symbols—they carry immense power. They shape lives, influence relationships, and create legacies. Recognizing the weight of our words can transform the way we interact with ourselves and others.

Motormouth: My Journey With Words

I’m a talker. I’ve always been a talker. Growing up, my grandfather often called me “Motormouth.” Why? Because inevitably, some “brilliant” thought would pop into my childhood brain, and I’d feel compelled to share it with anyone who’d listen.

What I didn’t realize then—and what I know now—is that words, all words, would become an integral part of my life and identity.

Words From Childhood

As a mental health coach, one of the things I often explore with clients is the words they heard during their formative years.

• Was your family a family of talkers or doers?

• Did they use words to resolve issues, or were conflicts swept under the rug?

Understanding the words spoken in childhood can provide insight into the tools we were given to interact with the world.

In my own childhood, I grew up in a home where harsh words often shattered my heart, and comfort was rare. Conflict resolution wasn’t modeled in healthy, functional ways. However, I don’t share this to blame or shame anyone. Those who raised me did the best they could with the tools they had—and sadly, those tools were almost non-existent.

Generational Words

So, what happens when wounded parents speak words that harm instead of heal? When brokenness is passed down through generations in the form of verbal assaults? How is the cycle ever broken?

The answer is simple but profound: It begins with us.

It Begins With Us

With the help of Almighty God, we must recognize the immense power we hold between our two lips. Our words have the power to speak life or death.

• With a few uplifting words, we can strengthen our marriage—or tear it down.

• Through intentional speech, we can build up our children, coworkers, church members, and pastors—or leave lasting scars.

Take a moment to reflect:

• What do you say to yourself about yourself?

• Do your words align with God’s plan for the people you love? Or are your words at odds with His purposes?

When our words contrast with God’s will, we position ourselves against His sovereignty. But when we speak life, encouragement, and truth, we partner with Him to bring healing and wholeness.

Speak Life

The cycle of harmful words can end with you. Be intentional with your speech, seeking God’s guidance to speak words that heal, build, and restore. Your words carry the power to transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you.

Choose life. Speak it boldly. And watch as the world around you changes.