The power of words began in the very beginning when God said, “let there be light” and then continued to speak His vision for this earth into existence by His Words. He spoke words of judgment over Adam and Eve for their sin of disobedience, and the serpent for his part in the temptation. Then God spoke of the “seed of the woman” that would be coming to take back the authority that Adam lost because of his sin, which now belonged to the spirit behind the serpent – the devil. (Genesis 1-3).

As we read through the Old Testament, we realize how many times God spoke words of the coming Messiah, though not specifically by name all the time. Micah 5:2 God speaks of a ruler to come and his birth to be in Bethlehem. In Psalm 22 God reveals in prophecy about the suffering and crucifixion of Christ. In Jeremiah 23:5 God speaks of a Branch, and a King that shall reign and execute judgment in the earth. Probably the most well-known prophecy of the coming Ruler is found in Isaiah 7:14, which tells us that a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. And again, in Isaiah 9:6, where we are told that a child will be born, a son given, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 1:1 tells us that the Word was in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This Word that God spoke about through the Old Testament Prophets became flesh according to John 1:14. So, what God said has come true.

The Bible also teaches that our words have power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us the death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words are so important that the Bible teaches in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give account of every idle word we speak, and by our words we shall be justified, and by our words we shall be condemned. I believe these words of justification or condemnation are our words of accepting the Son of God, Jesus as our Savior, or rejecting Him.

Even the tones of our words are important: for Proverbs 15:1 says that a soft answer turns away wrath, and grievous words stir up anger. I meditate on these three Scriptures (often) to continuously monitor my words and to help keep my heart/spirit holy before God – because James 1:26 tells us those who do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. I certainly don’t want my words to tarnish my witness for the Lord, do you? So, watch your words!