Opening Scripture
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
The Power of a Single Word
Words aren’t just sound. They shape lives, direct futures, and reflect our faith. This truth was deeply felt in the meeting—whether it was a father praying over his son’s fishing trip, or a testimony of battling anxiety, every story reminded us: our words carry spiritual weight.
God’s Word doesn’t treat speech lightly. Proverbs 18:21 is clear—our tongue holds the power of life and death. That means every careless comment, every sharp reply, every loving encouragement or prayer—they all carry consequences.
Faith Speaks Before It Sees
One testimony that was shared described how a father prayed and encouraged his son to speak words of life before casting a fishing line, after the boy had spoken a curse over himself by saying he would never catch anything. The result? Two fish, caught almost immediately. It may seem small, but the message is eternal: Faith speaks first. Jesus said, “Whoever says to this mountain…” (Mark 11:23). We must learn to speak God’s promises, not our fears.
Words Can Trap or Free You
Brother after brother shared how words have either lifted them up or held them back. A negative comment can echo for years. A word of encouragement can be someone’s lifeline. The Israelites in Numbers 14 spoke against God’s promises—and they died in the wilderness because of their words. This is serious. Words are not neutral. They either align with God’s truth or with doubt and death.
Teach the Next Generation
One urgent call from the meeting: teach our children. Not just to “talk nice,” but to understand that what they say can bless or curse their own future. Help them say, “I am loved. I am chosen. I have a purpose.” They’re either shaping their future with God’s truth—or harming themselves with careless speech.
Tame the Tongue, Guard Your Heart
James 3 reminds us how hard it is to tame the tongue. That’s why we must guard our hearts first—“out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If our hearts are filled with anger, fear, or pride, it will show in our words. That’s why prayer, repentance, and staying in God’s Word matter so much. It purifies the source.
Final Encouragement
Don’t wait until damage is done. Speak life now. Bless others now. Speak the promises of God over your own life now. Heaven is listening—and so is the next generation.
Closing Scripture
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
— James 3:6 (KJV)
