The Lie You Grew Up Believing.
Do you still remember the playground chant: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”
We laughed it off as children. But sometime later on, life quietly proved it false. Bones mend with time and a cast. Words? They settle deep in our hearts and stay for decades.
One sharp remark from a parent, a sarcastic jab from a colleague, or a careless comment from a spouse can echo for years. The Bible never sugar-coated this truth. Proverbs 12:18 puts it plainly: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
That single verse can change how we speak forever. Words promote health.
It is very important that we watch our words. Teachers, leaders, parents, and siblings can have a serious impact on a person’s life by what they say. Instead of being negative, decide to empower and encourage those around you.
When Everything Fell Apart – The Story of Job
Picture a man who had it all: health, wealth, a large family, and a deep love for God. Then, in a single day, it vanished. Job lost his children, his livestock, his health, and even his reputation. Friends arrived only to accuse him.
Yet Job refused to curse God. In the middle of unbearable pain, he declared, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15).
Those words were not empty optimism. They were faith spoken aloud, even as everything screamed the opposite.
And God heard. After the storm, Job received back double everything he had lost, including his children and his health. The man who chose hopeful words in the darkest valley walked out whole.
That same choice is still available to us today.
The Mustard Seed That Can Move Your Mountains
Jesus told His disciples, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move” (Matthew 17:20).
This is the kind of faith and encouragement that we need.
Speak positive.
Each morning, we can begin speaking life instead of complaints.
Instead of “Another ache today,” we can say, “Lord, thank You that You renew my strength.” Instead of sighing over a grown child’s struggles, we can declare, “I see God’s good plan unfolding in you.”
Slowly, the atmosphere in the home will shift. Tension will ease. Sleep will improve. Even small physical ailments will seem less dominant. It won’t be magic. It will be the tongue of the wise bringing healing, exactly as promised in Proverbs.
Real Lives You Can See Changed
You might know someone like Sarah, a 58-year-old teacher who used to constantly criticize her adult daughter. Their relationship was strained, and her own anxiety was through the roof. One Sunday, she decided to try Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath.” She started every conversation with genuine praise. Within months, her daughter opened up about her own fears, their bond deepened, and her blood pressure readings dropped so dramatically her doctor asked what changed.
You might know a man like Mark, a 67-year-old grandfather, who replaced sarcastic workplace humor with sincere compliments. “Great job on that report” became his new habit. Colleagues relaxed around him. His stress headaches disappeared. He later said, “I didn’t realize how much my own negativity was inflaming my joints until I stopped feeding it.”
You might know a young mom who began speaking gratitude aloud at dinner: “Thank you for this meal,” and “I love how God made you creative.” Her children’s bedtime anxiety eased, her own sleep improved, and she found herself laughing more – real, joyful laughter that her doctor later said was lowering her inflammation markers.
This is the kind of everyday fruit waiting for you when you choose words that promote health.
How Positive Words Touch Your Body and Mind
Science now echoes what Scripture has always known.
When you speak with kindness and gratitude, your cortisol (the stress hormone) drops. Lower cortisol levels mean less inflammation, better immune function, and a reduced risk of heart issues. People who regularly hear and speak encouraging words show stronger antibody responses and faster recovery from illness.
Mentally, the effect is just as real. Positive speech rewires your thought patterns, easing anxiety and lifting the fog of depression. Your relationships grow warmer, and we know from long-term studies that strong, loving connections add years to life.
In short, the tongue of the wise doesn’t just feel good — it actually heals you.
Small Choices That Create Big Healing in Your Life
When was the last time you had something positive to say about your colleague, friend, spouse, parents, or children?
When was the last time you complimented the person who prepared the meal?
When was the last time you told your spouse, parents, or children you love them?
You can never be told enough times that you are loved and appreciated.
You don’t need grand speeches.
• Tell the person who cooked dinner, “This tastes like love.”
• Whisper to your spouse, “I’m so glad God gave me you.”
• Look your aging parent in the eyes and say, “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
You can never say “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” too many times.
Sarcasm? It’s the lowest form of wit because it always costs someone else. A gentle reply, on the other hand, turns away wrath and calms the room (Proverbs 15:1). Choose to be known as a peacemaker, not someone who pours fuel on fire.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you purchase through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products or services we believe add value to our readers.
Tools That Will Help You Speak Life Daily
If you’re ready to make this a habit, here are a few resources that will bring real change into your life:
First, start with a simple gratitude journal that walks you through Scripture affirmations each morning. Many readers over 50 say it quickly becomes their favorite quiet-time companion.
Give Thanks, With a Grateful Heart – Journal
Second, get your copy of ‘Be the Best You‘.
Do you feel trapped in depression and low self-esteem? Struggle to believe you’re worthy and that something beautiful still awaits you?
Your words become your destiny. Speak defeat and stay stuck. Speak life – and watch health follow.
Be the Best You shows you exactly how. Through simple, powerful challenges like the Positive Active Word Challenge and daily faith affirmations, you’ll move from self-doubt to unshakable confidence – just as Job spoke hope in his darkest valley and received full restoration.
Your best days are still ahead.
Pick up a copy of ‘Be the Best You’ today. Speak life. Watch health follow. Your breakthrough begins with your next words.
Third, watch the video ‘Choose Words Wisely’ I created and placed on YouTube.
You can also link across to the post titled: Choose words wisely
A Quiet Revolution Starts in Your Mouth Today
Your words are powerful seeds. Plant encouragement, and health (physical, mental, and relational) will grow in your life.
Job walked out of his valley because he refused to speak of despair. You can do the same. The same God who restored him is listening to every word you speak right now.
A Prayer to Begin Right Now
Dear Jesus, in today’s world, it’s so easy to be negative and sarcastic. Instead, I want to say only good, uplifting, and encouraging things that show Your love. Please help me do this, starting today. I pray this in Your precious name, Amen.
Thank you for letting this message reach your heart. Your words are about to become someone’s medicine — maybe even your own.
Speak life today. Watch health follow.
Leave a Reply