Speak Life: What The Bible Says About the Power of Words and Self-Talk

Life and death are in the power of the tongue. In the Bible, the power of words is no small thing. Your speech shapes your word — and someone else’s.

The words we speak matter. With our words, we can build someone up. We can also tear someone down. This includes yourself. The words you speak over yourself are just as important as the words you speak over others. 

The Weight of Our Words

There was once a boy who loved to smile. He smiled every chance he could. His life was filled with joy and laughter, and he spread that joy everywhere he could. One day, that boy’s friend jokingly told him that his teeth looked weird. The boy lost his love for smiling. He still smiled when he had to, but he never opened his mouth when he did. 

The words we speak have a profound impact on the lives of others. The story of the boy who loved to smile is a true story from Nicholas Lee Anthony Carlile. Everything that happened in that story was subconscious. The boy did not realize until he was well into adulthood why he smiled with his mouth closed. The teasing of his friend caused a decade-long, subconscious insecurity. 

Speak your words with care. 

Proverbs 18:21 Explained: The Power of Words in the Bible

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” Proverbs 18:21.

This verse is talking about the impact of our words. We can speak death. We can speak life. 

To properly understand this verse, it’s important to recognize what the ancient Hebrew people meant by “life” and “death” in a theological sense. 

Speaking theologically, life and death usually did not refer to physical life and physical death. Instead, they more often referred to paths that one could take in life. The path of life was wisdom. It was following God’s way, and reaping the rewards of doing so. Conversely, the path of death was wickedness. It was following one’s own way, and reaping the rewards of that. 

While some interpret this verse as evidence that we can speak things into existence, that view overlooks the original Hebrew understanding of 'life' and 'death' as spiritual paths, not literal creative power. Proverbs 18:21 emphasizes the influence of our words, not their ability to manifest reality like God does.

The words that we speak can do tremendous good. They can reveal and affirm truths which set us free (John 8:32). They can encourage and uplift. They can comfort and guide.

At the same time, words can do tremendous evil. They can promote lies which keep us in chains. They can bring down and destroy. They can agitate and distract.

Be intentional with the words you use. They have power. 

Why the Way We Speak to Ourselves Matters

Just like how our words have tremendous power over others, they also have tremendous power over ourselves. The way that we speak to ourselves can influence our beliefs, actions, attitudes, and the way we treat others. 

Many people are incredibly disrespectful to themselves, speaking ugly things over their own lives and suffering by their own hand. As they begin to believe these terrible things, they conform themselves to the image that they have painted for themselves, actively decaying as a result. 

For a lot of people, this self-disrespect is born out of an effort to remain humble. That is not humility. True humility comes from compassion, not disdain. As Philippians 2:3 reminds us, true humility values others above ourselves, but never requires self-loathing.

Jesus speaks kindness over you (1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:37-39, Romans 5:8, Psalm 139:14) — even while seeing the flaws that you try so desperately to hide. 

How To Speak Life With Intention

Be mindful of the language and tone that you use when you speak. Would you be bothered if someone spoke to you the way you speak to yourself? If so, don’t speak to yourself like that. 

Would you be bothered if someone spoke to you the way you speak to others? If so, don’t speak to others like that. 

James 3:10-12 echoes Proverbs 18:21, showing how blessing and cursing should not come from the same tongue. How can freshwater and saltwater come from the same spring? Do not be quick to tear down people who are made in the image of God.

Even when speaking truth, make sure you are speaking the truth in a loving way (Ephesians 4:29). Don’t be harsh when you don’t need to be. 

Identify negative patterns in your speech and combat them with scripture. 

Words Reflect The Heart

The words we use reflect the contents of our hearts (Luke 6:45). 

So, this week, evaluate the way that you speak:

How do you speak to yourself?

How do you speak to others?

Identify places you’re doing well and opportunities for growth. Invite Jesus in. Speak love. Speak life. 

If you're struggling with negative self-talk or want to learn how to speak life over yourself in a way that aligns with Scripture, we’d love to help. Book a call with us today and take the next step toward spiritual and emotional healing.