How many times have we heard someone say some pretty harsh words then end the sentence with “I was just joking”. This kind of joking is socially acceptable nowadays – we call it banter. But it doesn’t change the fact those words have an effect on the receiver as well as the person saying it.
The Bible has countless verses on the power of words. The often quoted one is Proverbs 18:21, which says: ‘[d]eath and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words’ (AMP).
But I think the best place to look to realise the power of your words is in the very beginning – Genesis 1. The whole creation account is a series of “God said“. God created the entire universe using words.
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (emphasis added).
Genesis 1:3 (NLT)
I’m sure God could have just thought the universe into existence but I believe He was showing us something about ourselves and the power He has given our words. Quite simply, you are shaping your life through our words.
Even before I truly understood the weight of words it would make me cringe when I heard peers profess over themselves “Oh, I’m so stupid” for not understanding something. Whether they realised it or not they were shaping how they viewed themselves and stupidity was becoming part of their reality.
I do think there is a growing consciousness that good things can be ushered into our lives using words. For example “manifesting” has become more mainstream. But really this is just the Genesis 1 principle without acknowledging the true power behind it. God created “good” things using His words and gave us the power to do the same. How are you using this power? Are you tearing others down with your words or are you building them up? If your words shape your life what are you shaping your life into?
And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:10 (NLT)
The best way to start using your words better is to read the Word. The Bible is filled with life-giving words, so use it. Find Bible verses which relate to areas of your life that you want to change and speak it out loud over yourself. Manifesting on its own is limited because it relies on human power (the creation is limited in what it can create without acknowledging the Creator). However, confessing God’s words in prayer is a limitless power. God’s words are true and final so it will always work in your life if you believe in the words you are saying (Mark 11:22-24).
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (emphasis added).
Mark 11:22-24 (NIV)“With great power comes great responsibility” ~ Peter Parker
We have been given great power as beings created in the image of God, but the onus is on us to use it well. One of the ways you can do that is by watching your words. There’s no such thing as a meaningless word. Your words have weight.
Jesus Himself warns us of the weightiness of our words in Matthew 12:36 (AMP).
I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak (emphasis added).
This means that even your “I was just joking” comments matter. The weight of your words do not change when it suits you. It’s the same each time you speak; so speak with intention. The thought of this is quite terrifying but at the same time, incredible if we should use our words in the right way.
Further reading
Redefining Success 
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