my words matter

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

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It’s why I need to be slower to speak. The words can lift up or tear down, even if I don’t mean them to do either of those things.

It’s not the thought that matters. Intention isn’t the issue. It’s the words. They are what matter, because once they hit the air, I can’t take them back.

I have hurt and I have been hurt with words. Sometimes careless, sometimes well aimed. I am aquainted with that kind of power.

I’ve also used my words to encourage, to speak life to someone who was dying from the lies they believed, and I’ve had beautiful, life-giving words spoken over me. So I know that power too.

But most of the time, I don’t remember the power of words. I don’t always think about how my words will be heard, or the weight they may carry.

So I declare truth to help me live truth.

I can speak life or I can speak death. I can lift up or I can tear down. I can cut or I can heal. I can bring peace, or stir up anger.

But I will eventually eat the fruit of what I choose. I will reap what I sow with my words.

My words matter.