Words Can Wound or Heal - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - May 19, 2026
“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them” (Proverbs 12:6, NIV).
As a writer, I love words. I find joy in stringing sentences together and finding just the right adjective to express how I feel. But even if you don’t like writing, I have an inkling that words have an impact on your life. How do I know? Because most people underestimate their power until they have deeply wounded themselves.
While words of the Godly can bring life, words of the wicked sound like gossip, manipulation, or harsh criticism. This language happens online, in person, or even through passive-aggressive comments. We see this contrast clearly in Proverbs 12:6: Some words destroy, while others deliver. But it’s up to us which words we will use and pass on.
It might sound a bit dramatic, but the words of the wicked often come from those who “lie in wait.” This suggests an ambush and intentional harm. Wicked words are strategic and not accidental. Again, this looks like gossip, slander, manipulation, twisting the truth, or even verbal abuse. Words also attack our confidence, reputation, peace, and faith. Proverbs 18:21 says it this way: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (KJ21). James 3 adds that our tongues have destructive potential. Though they are small, they are mighty.
James 3:5-6: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (NIV).
Not all wounds in this life are physical. However, some of the deepest scars come from words spoken carelessly or cruelly. Are you speaking ones that encourage life or tear it down?
In contrast to those who lie in wait with evil words, the “mouth of the upright delivers them.” Evil words cause harm, but Godly speech protects, heals, and rescues. Words that “deliver” are those that defend others, speak the truth (even when it’s hard), and encourage those in despair. They intervene against lies and offer wisdom out of love.
Words that deliver could look like a friend speaking hope during depression, someone standing up against gossip, or offering encouraging words that redirect someone from hopelessness. This looks different for everyone, but the key is that righteous speech is active, not passive.
In Ephesians 4:29, we read a powerful command regarding the words that come out of our mouths: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). Colossians 4:6 adds, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (NIV).
It’s a sensitive question, but are your words healing or harming? Do people feel safer after talking with you or more distraught? None of us is perfect, but Jesus shows us the exemplary example of life-giving words.
Daily, Jesus spoke with truth and grace. Yes, He defended the vulnerable, restored the ashamed, and confronted sin, but He did so in love and without cruelty. His heart was always in the right place. From the woman caught in adultery, to the Samaritan woman, or even Peter after his denial, Jesus used words to rescue people, not destroy them, and so can we.
If you desire to use your words wisely today, here are just a few ideas to get you started:
1. Pause before reacting emotionally. Take a few deep breaths and really ponder the words before you say them.
2. Refuse to participate in gossip. I know it’s hard, but learn to pivot the conversation.
3. Speak encouragement intentionally. Every day, make it a personal goal to lift someone up.
4. Correct gently instead of harshly. Remember, criticism should be constructive, not hurtful.
5. Pray before difficult conversations. God can empower you and give you the words you need to say.
Friends, words are incredibly powerful. We speak to them every day. But one conversation can deeply impact someone’s direction, and that matters. People often remember hurtful comments for years, but they also remember compassionate ones. Our words reveal our hearts and profoundly influence others. Ask God to make your speech truthful, compassionate, wise, and helpful today.
Prayer: Dear God, please give me wisdom in my speech. I have the power to bring life or death in the words I say. Enable me to choose conviction over harmful words and the courage to speak life to those in need. Give me grace-filled communication and allow others to see you through me. I love you, Lord! Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Olga Pankova
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
