20 Scriptures: Learn What Your Words Can Do

From the historic Titanic to our modern megaships, it’s still amazing how small of a rudder it takes to turn a boat of any size. And no matter how “unsinkable” a vessel may be deemed, its rudder is the one thing that can navigate it through even the most treacherous of waters.

In the same way, your tongue can do much the same: It can land you into some deep messes or take you across uncharted seas and into safe harbors (James 3:1-12). 1 Peter 3:10 says, “If you want to enjoy life and see many days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Learn more from Kenneth Copeland about how “Negative Words Cost You Something.”

If you’re looking for greater assurance, greater confidence about where you drop anchor at the end of a rough day or the end of your life’s journey, then consider 20 Scriptures: Learn What Your Words Can Do, and discover the power words carry in determining where you want to be in life.

1. Words can encourage, or words can destroy. –Proverbs 10:21

2. Words can clear the air, or words can pollute it. –Proverbs 10:32 (MSG)

3. Words can destroy friends, or words can rescue the righteous. –Proverbs 11:9

4. Words can be just, or words can be crooked or perverse. –Proverbs 8:8 (NIV)

5. Words can be pleasing to God. –Psalm 19:14

6. Words can speak blessing and tell the truth, or they can speak profanity and lie. –Psalm 34:13 (MSG)

7. Words can be excessive and such talkativeness leads to sin. It’s better to be sensible and sometimes keep your mouth shut. –Proverbs 10:19

8. Words can be filled with wise advice, or they can be deceitful.—Proverbs 10:31

9. Words that are wise bring many benefits.—Proverbs 12:14

10. Words can be reckless and pierce and wound, or they can be wise and bring healing. –Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

11. Words can be careful and preserve your life, or words can be careless and ruin your life. –Proverbs 13:3 (MSG)

12. Words can be gentle and deflect anger, or words can be harsh and kindle a fire. –Proverbs 15:1

13. Words can make knowledge appealing, or words can belch out foolishness. –Proverbs 15:2

14. Words can be gentle and a tree of life, or words can be deceitful and crush someone’s spirit. –Proverbs 15:4

15. Words can be weighed before being spoken, or words can overflow with evil. –Proverbs 15:28 (NIV)

16. Words can be gracious like clover honey, good taste to the soul and quick energy for the body. –Proverbs 16:24 (MSG)

17. Words can kill or give life. They are either poison or fruit, but what we speak is our choice. –Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)

18. Word can either acquit you or condemn you. –Matthew 12:37

19. Words can be either blessing or cursing. –James 3:10

20. Words can be spoken at the right time and be like apples of gold in settings of silver. –Proverbs 25:11 (CSB)

Watch Bill Winston at the 2024 Believers’ Convention as he explains “Word Power.”

In 20 Scriptures: Learn What Your Words Can Do, you learned that it’s your tongue (your rudder)—and all the words you speak—that will get you to your final destination, and every port of call along the way. So, choose wisely and speak confidently, knowing God’s Word will get you where you want to be…every time!

Faith