The Power Of Words

The Power of Words

In The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge, Tony Dungy talks about how the locker room environment can be a breeding ground for “verbal bashings.” He states that players, coaches, and staff often try to rationalize such remarks as joking. But Dungy knows that words have incredible power.^a

With our words we have the ability to either build others up or tear them down. We often underestimate the significance of our words and how they truly affect others. When not used correctly, words can destroy, cause confusion, and create dissonance toward those whom we love the most. However, one encouraging and edifying word can bring joy and hope to those who need it most.

One of my sons had a coach who carelessly spoke words that actually made fun of him in front of others. The coach embarrassed my son with his careless remarks. He lost my son’s interest that day.

That same son had a quarterback lesson with former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury. Unbeknownst to Salisbury, my son had gone through a tough day the day before. Salisbury, who uses words to inspire his athletes effectively, spoke life into my son on an issue where his friends had made fun of him. It was a blessing that my son will never forget.

Proverbs 10:31-32 states, “The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” How do you use your words? Are you careful or careless? Do people come to you for advice, or do they try to avoid you because you have hurt them in the past? Let’s be people who speak life into those closest to us. Watch your words, and use them as tools to build up those around you.

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Proverbs 10:31-32