Good Words
Scripture Reading: Psalm 69; Proverbs 10-13; 1 Corinthians 16
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life… - Proverbs 10:11
The book of James is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament.” One reason is how much both books say about the words we speak. James highlights the destructive power of the tongue. Proverbs doesn’t ignore that danger, but it also shows the other side: our words can be life-giving.
That’s what this verse teaches.
Our words matter. What we say can shape the way others feel, think, and even respond to life. We can tear people down or build them up. We can wound or we can heal. This doesn’t mean there’s some kind of magical “speak it into existence” power in our words, as the Word of Faith movement suggests. It simply means God designed our words to carry real weight. What comes out of our mouth can be a fountain of life—or a source of harm.
But here’s the key: this verse doesn’t say anyone’s words can give life. It says the mouth of the righteous. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” In other words, our speech reveals the condition of our heart. If bitterness, envy, or anger fills the heart, hurtful words will flow out. But if Christ fills the heart, words of life will flow out.
James uses the same imagery: a fountain cannot pour out both fresh water and bitter water. A polluted well cannot produce clean water. That means if we want to change our words, we must first change the source.
So how do we do that? We don’t just resolve to “try harder” to say nicer things. We need a new heart, a Spirit-filled heart. That means confessing the sin that pollutes the well—resentment, jealousy, selfishness, lust—and turning to Christ. Then, as we draw near to Him, His Spirit produces the fruit of love, patience, kindness, and gentleness within us. Out of that abundance, life-giving words will begin to flow.
If your words have been cutting or careless, don’t just focus on your speech. Look deeper. What’s filling your heart? Is it Christ, or something else? A fountain of life begins with Him.