Your Words Will Direct Your Life
by Olga Hermans
Your words will either cause blessing or curses to come into your life. They will take you up or bring you down. You can change the atmosphere of your soul with pleasant words, such as: In my pathway is life and there is no death. (Prov. 12:28.) The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Neh. 8:10.) Because You are my Shepherd, I shall not want. (Ps. 23:1.) You will never leave me or forsake me. (Heb. 13:5.)
I would say that it is a good thing to think about the power of the words we use on a daily basis. We all like to live the best life possible, isn’t it? Well, then we also need to look at the way we choose our words.
Our words have the ability to improve our attitude, strengthen our mind, heal relationships, give wisdom in the midst of chaos, communicate ideas and speak peace into a situation.
There are so plenty possibilities for the words we use. Unfortunately, there are just as many negative possibilities. Words can create confusion, anger, hatred, and tear down in just a few moments what has taken years to build.
Although you may not notice that your words do anything negative in the world around you, I challenge you to consider ways that you can do more good in the world through the power of your words. Consider these questions as you seek to do just that:
1. Do I often find myself wishing I could take back something I’ve said or written?
The blessing and curse of words is the same: They cannot be easily undone. That’s why it is critical to choose your words carefully. Whether it is the words you use to communicate with your children or handle a conflict in your work environment, once you say something, it’s said, and once you fire off that mocking email, it’s a permanent record. You can do damage or good in a matter of seconds. Make sure your words do the latter.
2. When I hear gossip, do I give in to the urge to encourage more conversation or do I change the flow of the conversation to something more positive?
I know, I know. Some gossip is awfully tempting, but make a choice to steer clear of all of it. When you embrace all that is possible for your life, you become much less concerned with negative conversation. What does it mean to gossip? Is gossip when you tell something good about what someone else does? Of course not. It is when someone tells things about another by revealing a confidence, or with the intent to “sow discord.” Proverbs 11:13 says, “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”Be on your guard about any negative words you allow into your environment – whether through people or media.
3. Do I wait until I am angry or frustrated to give people my opinion about their behavior, or do I take time to calm down before speaking about an emotionally-charged topic?
Nine times out of ten, waiting to respond to a situation that has you emotionally charged will result in a much calmer and wiser response. Wait a set period of time (it could be ten minutes, 24 hours or more) before addressing someone about an issue if you think you may say something too harshly or that you may later regret. Your communication will be clearer and more effective when you have time to take the emotion out of your response and think about the words you want to use.
4. When I am feeling down about my circumstances, do I speak negatively about myself?
The power of your words not only affects others, but perhaps most significantly, they affect you. Become aware of what you say about yourself – whether speaking to yourself or others. Do you beat yourself up for making a mistake? Do you tell yourself or others that you aren’t smart enough, experienced enough, talented enough, attractive enough or good enough to succeed in your endeavors? Even if your self-esteem leads you to believe these things are true, tell yourself the opposite. “I have everything I need to accomplish my dream. I am a good person. I am getting better day by day. My circumstances, whether positive or negative, do not define who I am.” Use your words to enhance, enrich and empower your life rather than allowing them to tear you down.
5. Do I feel the need to always voice my opinion?
Some of the wisest people in the world speak the least. They are secure enough in who they are that they don’t feel the need to prove their worthiness by expressing their opinion and knowledge at every given opportunity. Instead, they listen without judgment. Through their listening, they learn and gain wisdom. Practice being quiet, even when you feel the urge to let everyone hear your opinion. Of course, there are times when expressing your opinion is critical. Learn to discern the difference between speaking out of insecurity or a need for attention, and speaking out of authenticity and mutual benefit.
If you get control of your tongue, you can direct your entire life the way it is supposed to go. Begin speaking the truth of God’s Word, and you will see your life driven by the Word of God instead of the storms of life.
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This is a subject I never get tired of reading about, Olga. There is so much power in our words and the way we use them. Even the way we think them. I really don’t think most of us understand how powerful it is. And, as usual, your article today is filled with wonderful, quotable nuggets of wisdom like this one; ” Some of the wisest people in the world speak the least.” . Love that!
Thanks for keeping this on our minds and hearts.
There are some quotes Ron about this subject as well. I love to read the wisdom of others about this subject.
Giving thought to the power of words puts a new perspective on the ones we choose…they can heal or they can harm is one of the most important concepts I stress to parents. As they say you cannot unring the bell…once a word is spoken it is heard, period. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Words spoken can do a lot of harm in the lives of others; they can stay there until they are broken…
thanks so much to wait apuon God to reach many souls through the word of knowledge and wisdom.the parents to quide there children to be good examples to community.
Thanks Bilimu for your great comment; stay in touch!!
The power of words! Something I battle with every day! I love your point about how controlling your tongue will control your life. So true, but definately easier than done.
Thank you for another great post Olga!
Carolyn, it is an ongoing battle; once we stop fighting we will realize that we go backwards. But the battle gets easier and easier, that’s a fact!
Great post. Im so glad you’re talkin about the importance of words everyone needs to hear it because words are a container of life or death.
“Do I always feel the need to voice my opinion?” OUCH. That hits close to home.
I am struck how many times it says in proverbs that it is better to just keep quiet and listen.
LOL Matthew, you are like me. I like my opinion to be heard..we are in the same boat!
Wonderful, as usual, Olga! I particularly liked “Our words have the ability to improve our attitude, strengthen our mind, heal relationships, give wisdom in the midst of chaos, communicate ideas and speak peace into a situation.” That sort of sums it all up, doesn’t it? We should be ever mindful about what comes out of our mouth. It can be blessings or curses.
Yes Mary, that is how important our words are…
Thank you again for speaking truth into my life, and reminding me that my there is life and death in the power of our tongues. Something I have to definatley control in my life.
Great post Olga. Just to add from The Message Bible, Proverbs 25:11 The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.
Sometimes we can be so overly careful of our words, trying so hard NOT to say the wrong thing, that we can err by not speaking at all. There is such a fine line! I’ve found that controlling my thoughts helps the most, in controlling my words, whether written or spoken. And that’s the hardest part, I believe.
I never realized, in my past, that I could control those wild thoughts! And then when I began practicing corralling the erring mental images and words, I noticed a big change in my life. More LOVE! More love for God, for others, and for myself.
Nevertheless, I always need to be reminded of the power of words. It’s way too easy to slip and not be careful. I love how you bring this subject up often, Olga!
Some of the wisest people in the world speak the least. – love this line Olga. Thanks for reminding us about the power of our tongue, the power of the words that we speak.
Great points Olga! I’m so glad you mentioned talking about yourself in #4. It’s so important to our own sense of well-being to not speak negatively about ourselves. Our self-esteem and self-confidence depend on us remembering to talk positively to ourselves.
Lots of great reminders. I hate negative gossip and jokes at other people’s expense. Makes me super uncomfortable and I don’t go there…and still, once in a while I find myself on the edge of a gossipy conversation, enjoying it. I do try to turn things positive. That is for sure. Also, it’s important to remember to speak up if you’re not used to doing so. Enabling your tongue is as important as curbing it!! thanks for the thoughtful blog!
Olga, yes, words are so powerful. I am happy you pointed out the positive things words can do as well as the negative. One of my husband’s favorite sayings is, “Words matter.” They matter in so many areas of our life which you pointed out so very well. Thx for a wonderful article… you have a very special way with words.
Words are so powerful.. They can make or break our relationships very quickly. I loves yous can seal and bond and harsh words can unravel it all.
This is beautiful. I have had a very hard time this week and the sweet words from friends have softened a tough blow. WORDS are powerful! Share them wisely ! Thank you Olga for such a beautiful post !
Some people seems to have a natural gift for speaking the truth and using the right words. You have the power of writing WORDS which transforms peoples lives. That is very rare and I enjoyed to read both your article and the comments which confirms how powerful and wise you are. I especially liked the conversation you created in the article as a dialogue with the reader. Thanks Olga!
Olga, such a powerful post about words. You are so right that the words we speak to ourselves and the words we speak to each other hold power. They really, really do. I agree with Lorii about this line “Some of the wisest people in the world speak the least”. It’s a great reminder to listen. : D Love the graphic, too!
We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. To everything there is a season. I’ve had to quiet the mouth a few times lately and oh, temptation is strong to just blurt out something but I remind myself of who I am and Whose I am and regroup. Lovely post Olga.
What a great reminder! Our words are so powerful and so often we speak before we think. I know as a mom I sometimes regret the words I have spoken and wish I would have taken a few minutes to think before responding.
Very powerful post Olga! Each point carries with it it’s own merit and we all need refreshers like this!
Powerful post Olga, so important. Words are powerful, we need to be mindful.
This is a powerful post and one that we all need reminding about. Words are so powerful and we forget how easily they fall out of our mouth. Great article – thank you
Very true Olga. Words can build up a person or they can destroy a person. It’s too late once we think we want to take them back…there is no return button. Better to think before we speak.
Words are extremely powerful. We must be very careful with what we say. Too many times I’ve put my foot in my mouth!
So true! Words are extremely powerful and we need to be more careful.
I struggle when circumstances are not good…it nearly always become “self” negative…feeling I should have, could have, done whatever whenever to have prevented it…that it is somehow my fault, mys shortcomings that resulted in the difficulties…and frankly, being transparent, that has made this past year a big challenege for me as circumstances have been very challenging indeed…working on it but sure need more work!!
A ton of good advice in here Olga, thanks. I have definitely had enough experiences to know that it’s always best to think before you speak! One of the big advantages of email, texting and social media is you have a chance to type out your response, read it, let it sit for a minute and then delete it if appropriate! Sometimes getting the words out of your system is all you need to make things better.
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Such sound advice. I love reading your wisdom filled posts Olga. Thank you for continuing to share these weekly =)
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