When God speaks, things happen! A universe is created. Covenants are formed. Signs and wonders appear. When Jesus spoke, the raging sea became calm, the sick and demon-possessed were healed, food was multiplied, and the dead were raised to life.

Proverbs has much to say about the power of the spoken word. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). “The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). And on a positive note, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

Jesus’ half-brother, James, warned about unruly tongues. “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way” (James 3:9-10).

With this in mind, let us think at least twice about what we speak today. What words of life, love, and encouragement should we share? Is there an apology we owe or gratefulness to bestow? Is there a kiss of kindness on our lips to bless someone else’s day?

May our goal be to “…shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

Speak life.