The Power of the Tongue

When His Breath Speaks:

Yesterday, I found myself in a conversation that stirred something deeper in me. A family member was upset about the nickname our grandkids have given my husband—they’ve taken to calling him Grumpy instead of Grandpa.

Now, if you know him, it fits. He can be grumpy at times. But when those little voices call out “Grumpy!” with affection in their tone, it never fails to turn his frown into a smile.

Still, this loved one expressed concern, quoting the Scripture:

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21

They believed the nickname was speaking something harmful over him. I tried to explain, gently, that perhaps the verse was being misunderstood. But eventually, I stopped debating and asked Abba to speak to their heart—because they weren’t going to hear it from me.

That moment sent me into reflection. What does this verse really mean?

💭 Sitting with the Scripture

I sat with it. I asked Abba again, “What is this verse truly saying?”

It’s from the Old Testament—a part of Scripture that points us toward Jesus, revealing who He is and what He would accomplish.

So let’s break it down.

Life and death… in the power of the tongue.

We know Jesus brings life. But what about death?

The verse points us toward the power of words, which led me to think of His words—of Jesus’ tongue. But how could His words bring death, when He is only life?

This family member offered this argument:

“Even if that verse refers to Jesus’ tongue, His breath is in us. So if we speak negatively, it’s His breath flowing out of us.”

I paused there. I can get on board with Jesus’ breath in me. But I struggled with the idea that His breath would bring death because of something I say.

Because if my words have the power to give or take life, then…

Why did Jesus need to die at all? If I could save myself or destroy myself with my own words, what was the cross for?

✝️ The Final Word

It all came full circle when I remembered the words Jesus spoke at the end:

“It is finished.” — John 19:30

With His tongue, He spoke life to all of us. He conquered death with His words. He didn’t bring death—He defeated it. And He still does.

🕊️ Living Free

So no, I don’t live in fear of what I say anymore.

Growing up, I used to worry constantly about whether my words would bring blessing or curse. Not anymore.

I’m free. Free to speak. Free to laugh. Free to call my husband Grumpy if it brings joy to the room.

Because I’m no longer the source of life or death—Jesus is. And the more my heart stays fixed on Him, the more my words reflect His goodness.

But even when they don’t… He is still enough.

💬 Reflection

It’s not my words that hold power. It’s His. And they’ve already spoken life over me.

📖 Scripture References:

• Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

• John 19:30 – “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’”

🤍 I’d love to hear from you:

Have you ever wrestled with the fear of “speaking death”? What helped you walk in freedom?

Drop a comment below, or share how His words have brought life to your heart lately.