By our words, we build our lives, and by our words, we can also destroy them. Proverbs 10:19 says: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
I, of all people, have learned this lesson the hard way. Have you ever promised someone something and almost immediately regretted it? Or maybe, after having a little more time to think it over, you realized you shouldn’t have given your word in the first place. Imagine agreeing to go out for lunch, dinner, or a date, only to get home and suddenly crave nothing but a quiet day in bed. In moments of uncertainty, it’s often wiser to say, “I’ll think about it” or “I’ll try,” rather than committing to something you’re not sure you can follow through on.
Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. The more we grow, the more we realize the immense value and responsibility attached to our words. If we see ourselves as kings, then we must understand that, like kings, our words carry weight. Ecclesiastes 8:4 says: “Where the word of a king is, there is power… This means that by our words, we can establish authority, but we can also, unwittingly, give the enemy access to what should remain off-limits.
There are certain situations and circumstances where we must be extremely mindful of our words, especially in moments of heightened emotions. Whether we are angry, hungry, overjoyed, or distressed, the words we speak in such times can have lasting consequences. As Proverbs 29:20 says, “There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” If you could sit down with Esau he would surely warn you to be careful about what you say when you are famished. In a moment of hunger he traded his birthright for a bowl of stew only to realize later how much he had lost, a decision he deeply regretted. His story is a sad reminder that temporary desires should never dictate lasting commitments. Genesis 25:29 to 34.
Remember the tragic example of King Herod. In a moment of excitement and pleasure, after being entertained by his daughter’s dance, he made a reckless promise: “Ask me for anything you like,” he said, “and I will give it to you.”(Mark 6:22) Without thinking, he even swore an oath to grant her up to half his kingdom. That one impulsive statement cost John the Baptist his life. The Bible tells us that Herod had previously tried to protect John because he knew he was a good and holy man. He would listen to John and be deeply disturbed, yet he still liked to hear him speak (Mark 6:20). However, because he had given his word carelessly and publicly, he felt bound to carry it out, even though he was deeply grieved by the request.
A similar account is found in the book of Esther. King Ahasuerus made hasty decisions that nearly led to the annihilation of an entire people. Without due diligence, he accepted Haman’s false accusations and authorized the destruction of the Jews by giving his signet ring to Haman, who made a decree in the name and under the authority of the king. The word of a king was so powerful in those days that once a decree was signed, it could not be revoked (Esther 8:8). It took divine intervention for another decree to be issued that allowed the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:11-12).
The king, still in a moment of passion, having enjoyed a good meal, promised Esther up to half of his kingdom! Imagine if Esther had not been working for a good cause, what if she had truly asked for half the kingdom? Or something disastrous, like the case of Herodias and John the Baptist? A king’s careless words could have divided an empire!
Another example is found in the book of Daniel. King Darius was manipulated into issuing a decree that forbade prayers to any god or man except himself (Daniel 6:7-9). The king, without investigating the intentions behind this suggestion, signed the decree. Only later did he realize that it was a plot to ensnare Daniel, his trusted servant. By then, it was too late, the decree had been made, and Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. The king, remorseful but powerless to undo his own words, could only hope and pray: “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.“ (Daniel 6:16). Thankfully, God intervened.
We must learn not to allow people to pressure us into giving our word prematurely. If someone insists on an immediate response, that is often the best time to pause, reflect, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 19:2 says, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Jesus: Our Perfect Example
Time and again, people sought to trap Him with His own words. Jesus always responded with divine wisdom, refusing to be pressured into recklessly talking. One such instance was when they asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. If He said yes, He would be seen as siding with the oppressors; if He said no, He could be accused of rebellion. Yet, in His divine wisdom, He responded by asking them to show Him a coin. Upon seeing Caesar’s image on it, He said, “Well then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His response left them speechless and showed both them and us the power of Spirit-led words. (Matthew 22:17)
In Luke 20:1-8, the religious leaders asked Jesus by what authority He taught and performed miracles. Rather than giving them an answer they could twist against Him, Jesus responded with a question about John the Baptist’s authority. When they refused to answer, He declined to answer them as well.
The Bible consistently warns us about the power of words. James 1:19 advises, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Before making a promise or taking a stand, let us seek wisdom. Let our words be deliberate, prayerful, and Spirit-led. In moments of excitement, anger, or urgency, let us pause and reflect before we speak.
My greatest desire is to be slow to speak, to listen more than I talk, and to carefully think things through before responding. I hope you have also chosen to do the same today. Proverbs 21:23 tells us: “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
