"A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (whether good or evil)" (Prov. 18:20-21).

There is tremendous power in words - written words, spoken words, and words set to music. Words will lead you along the right path, or they will take you down the wrong path.

One translation of Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are determined by the tongue." Therefore, people who are always speaking negative words will eventually receive the consequences their words produce - failure, defeat, and sorrow.

You see, words are containers. They can be filled with ungodliness - hate, doubt, fear, and unbelief. Or they can be filled with godliness - love, joy, peace, happiness, and faith. Words can curse, or words can bless. Words can discourage, or they can encourage.

Words can wound, or they can make whole. Words filled with the power of God will linger with you and literally change your life. The words you hear will either help you along life's path or hinder you!

Words can build confidence into people, or words can destroy faith and confidence in people. Biting, stinging words spoken in the morning by a husband or a wife can rob them both of efficiency throughout the day. But loving, tender, and beautiful words will fill their day with strength that leads them to victory.

Why is it that some families grow up strong and stable, always winning in life? One reason is that right words were spoken at home. The atmosphere in your home is a product of your words. What are you building into your children? Are you building failure and defeat? Or are you building success and victory?

You cannot afford to talk failure. You cannot afford to talk doubt, unbelief, fear, and dread. Negative words register on your heart, building failure into your life. And these words can take control of your life. Few of us realize the power of our words.

You cannot afford to tell the story you heard the other day about So-and-so and then hope to succeed in God. Don't poison other people's ears as yours have been poisoned. Instead, let your words be used to comfort and bless others by ministering grace, blessing, and encouragement.

It is vitally important what you say about yourself and others! Every day you are faced with this crucial decision: "What do I choose to say today? How can I fashion my words to determine my future today? Will I build up those around me, or will I tear them down with my words?"

Be a wise steward of your words! Base your words on what God's Word says, so that wonderful things can happen in your life. Begin now to determine that your future will be filled with faith, love, and success - because your words contain the power and the grace of God!

Source: From a Pastor's Heart by Kenneth E. Hagin. Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications