The Power of the Tongue

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

keep watch over the door of my lips!”

— Psalm 141:3

It is better to be mute than to spew nonsense and curses from your mouth?

That sounds like something straight from the Psalms — and indeed, the psalmist wrote, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).

Throughout the Bible, God warns us about the things that pour out from our mouths. Some say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but I believe that what a person says is an even greater window into who they are.

If your speech is thoughtful and measured, it reveals patience and wisdom. But if your speech is harsh, crude, or filled with curses, it shows where your heart’s priorities truly lie. As I grow older, I realize more than ever that it is far better to listen and measure my words than to speak in anger or haste.

There are many scriptures, both Old and New Testament, that remind us of the power of our tongue. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21). Why would God give us the ability to speak if not to glorify Him?

If the words that come from our mouths do not glorify God, then we have a problem. Scripture tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). And if our body is the temple, then our mouth is the bell tower — broadcasting what is happening within the temple.

The Power of Words

Our thoughts are between us and God, but our words are heard by everyone. Words can build up or destroy, bless or curse, heal or wound. Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6).

When we speak, we release power. A cruel word spoken in anger can create scars that last a lifetime, while a kind word spoken in love can lift a broken soul.

Jesus said, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24).

He knew that unreconciled words — harsh speech, unresolved conflict — grieve the Holy Spirit and destroy unity among believers.

And let’s be honest — most of us remember being scolded or spoken to harshly far more vividly than being praised. Words leave marks, for good or for bad.

Sanctifying the Tongue

There’s a dangerous modern teaching that says, “Name it and claim it,” as if whatever we speak, we will receive. That’s not biblical truth. Scripture does not say, “Whatever you say, you will have,” but rather, “Let your requests be made known to God.”

Speech was not given to us as a tool for greed — it was given for prayer, praise, and proclamation.

When we curse, gossip, or slander, our witness suffers. The person who hears your words may never see your good deeds or your quiet moments of prayer — but they’ll always remember your harsh speech. Our tongues can become either instruments of grace or weapons of destruction.

James wrote, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26).

So as believers, we must choose carefully what we allow to pass our lips. A single word can shape someone’s perception of Christ — for better or worse.

When the Holy Spirit truly dwells within you, your speech changes. The words that once came so easily now grieve you when spoken in haste or anger. Sanctification touches the tongue. You begin to realize that your daily speech is one of the simplest and most powerful testimonies of your faith.

Paul reminds us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29).

Application

For the non believers, Try this simple challenge:

Go one full day without saying a single curse word, complaint, or harsh remark. Speak only life. Encourage, uplift, and bless. You’ll be surprised how much your heart begins to change — because the words that come out of your mouth shape the posture of your soul.

For believers, this is part of the sanctification process — one of the first signs of spiritual maturity is a transformed tongue. James says, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:10).

The easiest way to carry your cross daily may simply be to control your tongue.

Prayer

Father,

Set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over my lips.

Let my words bring You glory and not shame.

Forgive me for the times I’ve spoken in anger or foolishness.

Teach me to speak life, to build others up, and to reflect Your grace in every word I say.

May my tongue be a tool for Your Kingdom and not a weapon of harm.

In Christ’s name, Amen.