The Power of Words

The Power of Words

Introduction
Words shape hearts, homes, and churches. Scripture calls our speech to be gracious and wise: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Tonight we consider the power of words and how Christ directs our tongues.

The Call to Peaceable Speech
Paul urges, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Peace grows where words are sound and healthy. Titus was told to model “sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7–8). The Christian’s mouth becomes an instrument of grace when the heart is submitted to the Lord. Colossians 4:6 reminds us that speech flavored with grace and seasoned with wisdom equips us to answer each person fittingly.

Words that Heal or Harm
A single sentence can steady a weary soul—or reopen a wound. James teaches that the tongue steers the whole person and carries life-shaping power (James 3:2–10). Ephesians 4:29 commands speech that edifies, imparts grace, and fits the moment. Believers do not traffic in rumor or sharp replies; we choose words that are true, kind, timely, and constructive.

Job’s Friends and the Misuse of Words
Job’s friends came intending to comfort. Their silent presence for seven days actually helped (Job 2:13). When they began talking, their counsel injured. Eliphaz suggested that ruin only visits the wicked (Job 4:7–9). Job answered that his grief outweighed any supposed fault (Job 6:1–4) and pleaded for kindness from friends in a time of affliction (Job 6:14–21). He asked for understanding rather than accusations (Job 6:24–25). Scripture shows that suffering touches both righteous and unrighteous people (Matthew 5:45). Jesus referenced the tower of Siloam to correct simplistic judgments about tragedy (Luke 13:1–5). Comfort requires humility, patience, and careful words.

What Suffering Hearts Need from Us
The afflicted need compassion, presence, and truth spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and show patience to all (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Gentle words are like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). A soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Guarding Our Tongues in Daily Life
The disciple listens before speaking: “Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Pray, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). Let Christ be honored in every answer (1 Peter 3:15). When tempted to repeat a rumor, choose silence; when invited to inflame a quarrel, choose gentle truth; when asked for hope, answer with grace and clarity.

Keeping Our Eyes on Christ
Our speech changes as we follow the Savior who “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” and “when He suffered, He did not threaten” (1 Peter 2:23). He is our sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). As His word dwells richly in us, the mouth reveals a heart ruled by the Prince of Peace.

The Power of Words Sermon Outline:

• Aim: To show how Scripture directs the tongue toward peace, edification, and Christlike compassion.

• Text Anchors: Romans 12:18; Titus 2:7–8; Colossians 4:6; Job 4–6.

1. The Call to Peaceable Speech (Romans 12:18; Titus 2:7–8; Colossians 4:6)

   • Peace depends on spirit-guided words.

   • Sound, gracious speech silences opponents and blesses hearers.

2. Power in the Tongue (James 3:2–10; Ephesians 4:29)

   • The tongue directs life’s course.

   • Speak what edifies and fits the moment.

3. Case Study: Job’s Friends (Job 4:7–9; 6:1–4; 6:14–21; 6:24–25)

   • Accusation deepened Job’s sorrow.

   • Suffering calls for kindness and understanding.

4. Suffering and Simple Judgments (Matthew 5:45; Luke 13:1–5)

   • Trials are not a neat measure of guilt.

   • Christ calls for repentance and humility, not speculation.

5. Practicing Christlike Conversation (Ephesians 4:15; Romans 12:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Proverbs 15:1; 25:11; James 1:19)

   • Truth in love.

   • Empathy, patience, and gentle answers.

   • Listen well; speak wisely.

6. Keeping Words Under Christ’s Lordship (1 Peter 2:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 141:3)

   • Follow the pattern of Jesus.

   • Pray for guarded lips and ready answers.

7. Invitation (Galatians 3:27; 1 John 1:7–9)

   • Enter Christ and walk in His light; let His grace cleanse both heart and speech.

Call to Action
Examine your words before God. Ask the Lord to cleanse the heart and bridle the tongue. Seek out someone who is hurting and speak comfort and Scripture with tenderness. If the mouth has wounded a brother or sister, make it right today. If you need to put on Christ in baptism and begin anew, come in obedient faith. If you need prayer, ask—He heals both tongue and heart.

Key Takeaways

• Speech must be gracious, wise, and peaceable (Colossians 4:6; Romans 12:18).

• Sound words adorn sound lives (Titus 2:7–8; Ephesians 4:29).

• Comfort requires kindness and understanding, not accusations (Job 6:14–25).

• Suffering is not a simple verdict on a life (Matthew 5:45; Luke 13:1–5).

• A guarded tongue grows from a guarded heart (James 1:19; Psalm 141:3).

• Christ is the model for holy speech (1 Peter 2:23; 3:15).

Scripture Reference List

• Romans 12:18 — Pursue peace as far as it depends on you.

• Titus 2:7–8 — Model good works and sound speech.

• Colossians 4:6 — Speech with grace, seasoned with salt.

• James 3:2–10 — The tongue’s power and danger.

• Ephesians 4:29 — Words that build up and give grace.

• Job 4:7–9 — Eliphaz’s mistaken conclusion.

• Job 6:1–4, 14–21, 24–25 — Job’s grief, plea for kindness, and request for understanding.

• Matthew 5:45 — God sends rain on the just and unjust.

• Luke 13:1–5 — Jesus corrects shallow judgments about tragedy.

• Ephesians 4:15 — Speak the truth in love.

• Romans 12:15 — Weep and rejoice with others.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 — Admonish, encourage, help, be patient.

• Proverbs 15:1; 25:11 — Soft answers; fitting words.

• James 1:19 — Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

• Psalm 141:3 — Prayer for guarded lips.

• 1 Peter 3:15 — Sanctify Christ; answer with gentleness and reverence.

• 1 Peter 2:23 — Christ’s pattern under suffering.

• Hebrews 4:15 — Our sympathetic High Priest.

• Galatians 3:27 — Baptized into Christ.

• 1 John 1:7–9 — Walk in the light; confess and be cleansed.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO