“Your tongue has the power to build up or to destroy. Use it wisely!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 17, 2026
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
You need not be an expert in superhero films to know the general formula they follow. An ordinary human being, unexpectedly, acquires super-human powers and then faces a dilemma: to wield his powers to gain control over others, or to use them to serve others? Believe it or not, you and I face the very same dilemma daily. As the Bible would have us understand it, the super power we all possess is that of words. With them we can stir up storms of anger or we can quiet a raging soul. Scripture tells us our words have the power to build up or to tear down, to imbue with grace or to corrupt, to affirm or to discourage, even to grant life or death. How will you use your words today?
When we stop to consider the responsibility of wielding so mighty a tool as the tongue, the weight of pressure or even guilt for our past failure can be crushing. The truth is, none of us has used our words perfectly. We have all caused damage to someone, and most likely to someone we love dearly. But that is where grace steps in. Though words cannot be taken back once spoken and we do well to measure them before releasing them, we can also repent and be reconciled to those whom we have hurt with our words. Don’t leave those wounds untended, for we all know by experience how a hurtful word can follow us all through our lives and continue to do harm.
But we also all know first hand the immeasurable gift words of affirmation can be to a hungry heart. God has given us the power of words to do wonderful good! Christ, himself the Word, works through us when we speak words of gentleness and truth in love. A word of encouragement to a spouse, an affirming note left in a child’s lunchbox, a letter to a friend expressing gratitude, can change the trajectory of a day or even a life. Embrace the gift of wonder words to minister God’s power in the lives of those you encounter this week. Fill your quiver full of good words, so that when you release them, they go straight to the heart of the hearer and bring a spring of life!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have not used the power of words as you would have me. I’ve used them for harm or I have failed to use them for good when given the opportunity. Forgive me and train my tongue to speak life-giving words to those you put in my path. To your glory. Amen.
Application
Ask God to help you have words seasoned with salt this week. Make it a point to find someone each day to whom you can speak (or write) generous words.
Related Reading
Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6
Worship Resource
Jehovah Shalom Acapella: Wonderful Words of Life
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