Why We Should Watch Our Words

Our words may seem small and ordinary, but the Bible teaches that they have tremendous power. What we say can encourage someone, heal a relationship, strengthen another person’s faith—or cause hurt that may be difficult to undo. That is why Christians are called to be careful about what comes out of our mouths.

1. Our words reveal what is in our hearts

Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Our speech often reveals what is going on inside us. When we are angry, frustrated, jealous, or proud, those feelings can come out through our words. Likewise, a heart filled with love, patience, and gratitude will tend to produce words that build others up.

So watching our words is more than simply avoi ...