16.07.2025
The Gift of Words
Words that Build or Destroy Life
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Bible Verse
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
– Psalm 34:13
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Introduction
We all talk – all day long. At breakfast, at school, on WhatsApp, Insta, Snapchat, Discord, or just hanging out with friends.
Our words often just come out – without much thought.
But let’s be honest:
How many times have you said something and immediately thought, “Oh no, I really shouldn’t have said that”?
Or: How many times has someone’s sentence hurt you deeply – even if they didn’t mean it that way?
Words aren’t just harmless airwaves. They carry power.
They can build people up – or tear them down.
They can give courage – or really wound.
God gave us the gift of speech – a real gift. And today we want to take a closer, honest look:
How do we actually use this gift? And how can we learn to use our words to bless instead of hurt?
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Devotional
Words can comfort, heal, and bring hope – but also destroy, wound, and divide.
David writes in Psalm 34:13 a clear instruction: “Keep your tongue from evil.” Why is that so important?
Ellen White writes in The Adventist Home, p. 435:
“The words we speak have a power far greater than we understand. They are an influence that continues like ripples on water.”
Our words are like seeds: they produce fruit – good or bad. And every one of us sows daily.
A hurtful word can be like poison that lingers. A kind word can be like healing medicine.
Jesus Himself says in Matthew 12:36:
“I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
That sounds serious – and it is.
So what does it mean to keep your tongue?
It doesn’t mean staying silent. It means speaking intentionally – with kindness, honesty, and love.
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Story – The Scars of the Nails
There was once a boy named Elias. He had a problem many teenagers face: he was impulsive and often spoke without thinking. His words were fast, sharp – and sometimes hurtful.
His father, a quiet, wise man, watched this with concern. One day, he gave Elias a bag full of nails and a hammer.
“Every time you hurt someone with your words – whether on purpose or not – go to the garden and hammer a nail into the old wooden fence behind the house.”
Elias was confused but obeyed. On the first day alone, he hammered in 37 nails.
The following days, it was still many – but slowly, the number dropped. Elias started to realize how damaging his words could be.
He began trying harder to speak calmly and think before speaking.
After a few weeks, he proudly said to his father:
“Dad, today I didn’t hammer in a single nail! I think I’ve learned to control my tongue!”
His father nodded. Then he said:
“Very good. Now, for every day you don’t hurt anyone, pull out one nail.”
Elias did as instructed. It took weeks, but eventually, the fence was nail-free.
But then his father led him to the fence and said with a serious voice:
“Look at this fence. The nails are gone – but see the holes that remain?
Those are the scars of your words.
You can remove the nail – you can apologize – but sometimes the wound remains in the heart.”
Elias lowered his head. In that moment, he understood:
Words leave marks.
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What can we learn from this story?
It’s not enough to just stop talking – we need to learn how to speak wisely.
A hurtful word cannot be “taken back.” Even an apology doesn’t erase every trace.
That’s why it’s so important to “keep your tongue,” as Psalm 34:13 says.
Ellen White confirms this truth:
“A careless word may wound a heart and discourage a soul. But a loving word can bring comfort where hope seems gone.”
– Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 336
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Reflection – What does this mean for you?
Think back for a moment: What was the last thing you said – this morning, at school, during an argument?
Did it build someone up – or tear someone down?
God calls us to speak blessing, not cursing.
He wants our words to show others that Jesus lives in us.
Ellen White says:
“The tongue that is under Christ’s control will speak gentle, healing words, spread peace, and be a light in the darkness.”
– The Ministry of Healing, p. 491
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Today’s Reflections
Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
Choose to encourage someone today with your words.
If you’ve hurt someone: Be brave and ask for forgiveness.
Ask God to help you guard your tongue – especially in challenging moments.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You gave me the gift of speech – and with it, responsibility.
Help me choose my words wisely. Let my tongue speak not evil,
but truth, hope, and love.
Remind me daily that words have power –
and that through my speech, I can show that You live in me.
Give me a pure heart, so that my words will also be pure.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Takeaway Thought for Today
“Words are like seeds – be mindful of what you sow.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-07-2025-the-gift-of-words-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
