Do Our Words Really Have Power?
Do Our Words Really Have Power? Yes — the Bible teaches that words carry life-and-death power, shaping relationships, destinies, and even our own hearts. The tongue is small but immensely consequential.
Key verse: Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Yes — the Bible teaches that words carry life-and-death power, shaping relationships, destinies, and even our own hearts. The tongue is small but immensely consequential.
Yes — the Bible teaches that words carry life-and-death power, shaping relationships, destinies, and even our own hearts. The tongue is small but immensely consequential.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Proverbs 18:21 declares, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.' James devotes an entire chapter to the tongue's power: 'The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!' (James 3:5). The tongue can bless or curse (3:9-10), heal or wound: 'The tongue of the wise is health' (Proverbs 12:18). Words can build up: 'A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver' (Proverbs 25:11). Or tear down: 'The words of a talebearer are as wounds' (Proverbs 18:8). Jesus warned that words reveal the heart: 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh' (Matthew 12:34). He also stated, 'By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned' (Matthew 12:37). Paul commands, 'Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying' (Ephesians 4:29). Controlling the tongue is a mark of spiritual maturity (James 3:2).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
What the Bible teaches about gossip, slander, and the destructive power of careless words.
Key Scripture References
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
"The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things."
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About the Power of the Tongue?
The Bible teaches that the tongue has extraordinary power — for both life and death — and calls believers to guard their speech.
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
The Bible strongly condemns gossip as destructive, comparing it to a fire that destroys relationships and communities.
Do Our Words Really Have Power?
Yes — the Bible teaches that words carry life-and-death power, shaping relationships, destinies, and even our own hearts. The tongue is small but immensely consequential.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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What Does the Bible Say About the Power of the Tongue?
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Bible Verses About the Power of Words
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Proverbs 18:21 — Meaning & Devotional
Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21 Commentary
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Proverbs 25:11 Commentary
In-depth study • Power of Words
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The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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