July 19, 2025
The Fragrance of Words
What comes out of your mouth reveals your heart – and honors or dishonors God
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Bible Verse
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36–37
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Introduction
Words are with us every day – in school, in WhatsApp messages, voice notes, or social media comments. Sometimes we mean them as a joke, sometimes we’re being honest, and sometimes we speak out of anger or without thinking.
Have you ever experienced how a single sentence can stay with you all day – whether for good or bad?
Maybe it was a compliment that lifted you up.
Or a comment that cut deep and stuck in your mind.
What we say – or write – can shape an atmosphere, change relationships, and even deeply impact people. Words are like seeds. They grow. And what we plant will eventually bear fruit – good or bad.
So the question isn’t just what you say, but what your words reveal about your heart.
Even more: What do you want others to experience through your words?
In this devotional, we’ll take a closer look:
Are your words fragrant or hurtful – and what does God want to do with your lips?
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Devotional
Words are like perfume. They leave a scent – one of life or discouragement, truth or shallowness.
But how often do we speak carelessly?
How often do we joke at someone else’s expense, mock others, speak badly, or just fill the air with meaningless chatter?
Ellen White wrote:
“So many words are spoken thoughtlessly, foolishly, in jest and ridicule! This should not be. Christ’s followers should understand the truth of His words: ‘On the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak.’”
(Signs of the Times, January 25, 1892)
Why is this so serious?
Because words are not neutral.
They are windows into the heart – and they keep working long after they’ve been spoken.
“When the love of Jesus is the theme of your thoughts, the words that come from your lips will be full of praise and gratitude toward God and the Lamb.”
(Review and Herald, October 20, 1891)
Ellen White refers to the prophet Isaiah, who, upon seeing the holiness of God, cried out:
“Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.”
(Isaiah 6:5)
In God’s presence, Isaiah didn’t just see God’s greatness – he saw the impurity of his own speech.
It’s the same for us. When we truly see God’s holiness, we realize how much our words need cleansing.
Not just vulgar words – but also empty, sarcastic, mocking, and cold ones.
But God didn’t condemn Isaiah. He purified him – with a burning coal from the altar. And then He sent him.
God wants to purify our lips too – so that our words may carry fragrance.
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Story – “The Words That Stayed”
Nora was 17. Creative, quick-witted, popular. The type of person who always had something to say, who led conversations, who posted clever captions and had a ton of followers online. Comments, memes, voice notes – for her, words were just tools for expression. Quick, spontaneous, sometimes a bit sharp.
In her class was Sophie. Quiet, reserved, almost invisible. She often sat alone, didn’t talk much, seemed shy. Her clothes were outdated, her demeanor unsure. To many, she was simply “the weird one.” Some made fun of her – subtly or openly.
Nora wasn’t a bully – but she played along.
When others laughed, she laughed too. One time, she secretly recorded Sophie stumbling nervously during a class presentation. Later, she posted the clip to her story with the caption:
“When your voice’s Wi-Fi crashes…”
People laughed. Emojis came rolling in. Some called it “brutally honest.”
But Sophie saw it too.
She said nothing. She came to school the next day as usual.
But on the Friday before summer break, she didn’t show up.
By midday, the news spread: Sophie had been taken to the hospital overnight – after an overdose.
She left behind a note. Only one sentence:
“I was silent – but you all spoke loud enough for me.”
Silence. In the classroom. In Nora’s head.
No one made jokes.
Even the teacher was holding back tears.
Nora went home – and for the first time in a long while, she had nothing to say.
Not because she was just guilty – but because she realized:
A few seconds, a comment, a laugh – can shake an entire life.
She wrote Sophie a letter. Long, honest, humble. Not just asking for forgiveness, but admitting:
Words aren’t just air. They leave a mark – good or bad.
Sophie survived. She was taken to a clinic. The letter was read to her.
A year later, the two ran into each other at a youth concert. Sophie had changed. Still quiet, but more peaceful, more grounded.
She looked at Nora and said softly:
“You weren’t the only one who hurt me. But you were the only one who admitted it.”
Then she added:
“Your words almost broke me. But your last ones helped rebuild me.”
Nora never forgot that moment.
Not out of pride – but out of reverence.
Since then, she’s been careful with her words. Not fearful – just aware.
She understood now what Jesus meant when He said:
“By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
She wanted her words to be a fragrance – not a wound.
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What can we learn from this story?
Words have power.
Not just publicly, but quietly.
Not only in jokes – but in looks, comments, and messages.
You never know what someone else is going through.
But you decide whether your words will bring life – or cause wounds.
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Thoughts – What Does This Mean for You?
Your words are tools.
They can build – or tear down.
What do you say when you’re angry?
Or when you try to be funny?
Who have you lifted up with your words lately?
Or hurt – even unintentionally?
You’re like a flower. Your influence has a scent.
What does your speech smell like?
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
(Colossians 4:6)
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Action Steps for Today
Ask God to show you your words – the way He sees them. Remember: sometimes silence is holier than a clever remark that wounds. Choose to speak one good word today – honest, uplifting, blessing. Forgive the words of others – and ask for forgiveness where needed.
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Prayer
Lord, I recognize how often I use words to tear down instead of build up.
I am a person of unclean lips.
Please touch my heart – and my lips – with Your grace.
Let me speak words that bring hope.
Words that smell like flowers.
Words that honor You and strengthen others.
Change my speech – and change my heart.
Amen.
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Takeaway for Today
“Words are like fragrance – you choose whether they bring life or poison.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/19-07-2025-the-fragrance-of-words-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
