Quiet Time Series: Speak Life

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

This verse doesn’t just whisper truth—it lands with weight. Words are never neutral. They either nourish or poison, restore or ruin. And the older I get, the more I realize how often I’ve been both the giver and receiver of each.

I’ve spoken words I wish I could unsay. I’ve also been shaped by words I didn’t know would stay with me for years. Some words build bridges. Others light matches. But either way, what we say always echoes.

Let’s break down three truths I’ve learned—sometimes through regret, other times through grace—about the power of the tongue and how to wield it with intention.

1. Words Can Give Life

There was a season at work when one of my coworkers kept showing up late and seemed distant. Most people wrote her off. But one morning, I felt prompted to compliment her outfit and ask if everything was okay. That small moment turned into a real conversation—and eventually, a deeper friendship.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is, “I see you.” Or, “You matter.” Life-giving words don’t need to be poetic. They just need to be honest, timely, and rooted in care.

I still remember when someone called my poetry “healing in syllables.” It wasn’t a fancy compliment—but it reminded me that words, when aligned with purpose, can reach places hands can’t.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” —Mother Teresa

Try This:

Speak first. Don’t wait for someone to “earn” encouragement—offer it freely.

Practice affirmations. For yourself, and also as a lens to see the good in others.

Listen deeply. Sometimes giving life means saying less and being fully present.

📖 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” —Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

2. Words Can Bring Death

I once snapped at someone I loved—not because of them, but because I was tired and overwhelmed. My words weren’t even cruel, but they were careless. Dismissive. And it left a wound I had to work hard to heal.

Harshness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s silence, sarcasm, or a cold shoulder—and the bruises can last just as long.

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” —Rumi

Try This:

Pause before you speak. If emotions are high, discernment is usually low.

Apologize quickly. Pride will rot the garden of your relationships.

Offer feedback with grace. Truth can be direct and still loving.

📖 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” —Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

3. Words Reflect the Heart

Your mouth will always leak what your heart is full of—whether it’s peace or resentment, love or envy.

There was a time when I was overflowing with frustration, and it came out in subtle ways: impatience, passive comments, avoidance. It wasn’t until I got honest with God that my tone began to shift. I had to get real. Healing my words started with healing what was hidden.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” —Jesus (Luke 6:45)

Try This:

Heart inventory. Ask, What’s under the surface of my speech right now?

Daily gratitude. Gratitude shifts tone before words are ever formed.

Filter your intake. Who and what you listen to will shape how you speak.

📖 “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” —Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

Before You Go: A Quick Self-Check

The power of our words isn’t just spiritual—it’s practical, daily, and deeply revealing.

Ask yourself:

1.) When you replay your recent conversations, where did your words give life—or take it?

2.) Are there unresolved emotions in your heart that are leaking out through tone, silence, or sarcasm?

3.) What would it look like this week to intentionally speak words that heal?

Final Thoughts

Words are seeds. What you plant today, you—or someone else—will harvest tomorrow. Whether whispered or typed, they take root somewhere.

So let’s plant carefully. Speak gently. Repent quickly. And remember:

You don’t have to be eloquent to be life-giving. You just have to be aware.

Your tongue can bless or burn. Which will it be?

“Your voice finds its power when it stops trying to echo someone else’s.” —Unknown

And if this post stirred something in you, tell me:

What’s one phrase that changed your life—for better or worse?

Let’s keep learning to speak life, one word at a time.

Your Turn

What’s one phrase that changed your life—for better or worse? Share it in the comments or send me a message. Let’s grow together in learning to speak life—one word at a time.

Soul Path Insights