Words matter. They carry weight. What we say doesn’t just affect us—it impacts everyone around us. So what kind of words are you speaking?
For a long time, I didn’t think much about this. I had a mouth on me—and honestly, I still have to rein it in. I’ve had to remind myself: Do I want my words to encourage or tear down? What kind of legacy do I want them to leave?
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
How we speak carries consequences and reflects our relationship with God
I’ve spent most of my career in the IT industry, and most often I am the only woman on my team. That alone creates an interesting dynamic. For over 20 years, I’ve worked intentionally to watch my mouth. As a woman known for her faith, I don’t want my testimony tainted by careless words. The deeper my relationship with the Lord has grown, the less effort this has required. In fact, most of the guys I’ve worked with now watch their language around me without me saying a word.
Still, at a few jobs, there were coworkers who dropped the F‑bomb in nearly every sentence and were astonished that they never hear me speak any vulgar words. Some of them even begged me to say just one swear word—one guy said it would make his day. Being the smart‑aleck that I am, I smiled and replied, “Fracken Rackin.”
It got a laugh—and it made the point. I didn’t need to take the bait.
God has done a deep work in my heart when it comes to my tongue. One thing that He kept pressing upon me was how can I be a witness for His kingdom if I speak the same way the world does? Our words truly matter, because they shape the atmosphere around us for better or worse.
I recently talked with a young person about movies and shows coming out of Hollywood. So many have great plots, yet they’re filled with unnecessary language and scenes that bring nothing to the show. Have we lost creativity? Do people really think swearing is the only way to get attention—or have we just become numb to it?
This isn’t only about what we say, but also about what we listen to. Because what we listen to can get into our heart and what’s in our heart will come out of our mouth.
Matthew 15:17-19 (TPT) says, “Is it hard to understand that whatever you eat enters the stomach only to pass out into the sewer? But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food. You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander.“
Words are powerful. We need to wake up and ask:
Are our words life‑giving or life‑draining?
Are the words we’re taking in building our spirit—or crushing it?
Proverbs 12:18 says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
And Proverbs 15:4 adds, “When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.”
I would much rather bring healing—wouldn’t you?
The book of James is incredibly clear about this. “If you claim to be religious but can’t control your tongue, you’re fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
And again: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:10).
As Christians, we’re called to be light in a dark world. That includes our words—especially when we’re angry or frustrated. Once they’re spoken, there’s no rewind button.
Part of showing God’s light is speaking with love so others can see how deeply the Father loves them. And if your mouth tends to get you into trouble, try replacing harsh words with something unexpected. It catches people off guard—and sometimes even opens the door to conversations about your faith.
People do notice when you speak differently.
So remember: how you speak matters.
Now go use your words to make a difference.
angelaschmeling 