The Power of Words in Eternity and Crisis

Matthew

Welcome to the second episode my name is Matthew Akinola thanks for joining us, Holy Spirit please speak to us today in Jesus name Amen. Let’s begin with this profound verse from Matthew 12:36–37. It says, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.” Immediately, it makes us think, what are we really doing with our words?

Matthew

Our speech, you know, isn't just casual or insignificant. Every word carries weight, eternal weight even. And the truth is, our words often reveal what’s truly in our hearts. I mean, stop and think—when you’re angry or stressed, those moments can bring out words that you maybe didn’t mean but definitely reflected something deeper inside.

Matthew

So here's the thing. Words can, well, they can build or they can destroy. They can bring people closer together, or they can tear apart families, friendships, and communities. You know, sometimes one comment, just one careless comment, can severely damage someone’s confidence or their trust in you. And on the flip side, a kind, intentional word has the power to heal, encourage, and inspire.

Matthew

Now, in our fast-paced lives, I think we rarely pause to consider the full impact of what we’re saying. And that's where mindfulness comes in. So let me share a few strategies that can help us steward our words better. First, pause before speaking—this one’s huge. Just that simple act of taking a breath can save you from saying something you might regret later. In James 1 verse 19, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Matthew

Second, speak with intention. Ask yourself, are my words contributing to good, to something constructive, or am I just reacting out of emotion? Third, we’ve got to learn from Jesus. He’s the perfect example of controlled and impactful speech. Whether He was teaching, correcting, or comforting, Jesus always spoke with purpose and grace. It’s so inspiring, honestly.

Matthew

And finally, I want to leave you with this thought—are your words life-giving or destructive? You see, taking stock of our conversations isn't just a practical exercise; it’s a spiritual one. Why don’t you consider committing to a daily prayer, asking for wisdom in your speech? Because, in the end, our words don’t just echo in the here and now—they echo in eternity.

Matthew

Now, let’s shift our focus to the story of Haman in Esther 6:13. which reads and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin! Here we find a fascinating and sobering example of how prideful words and actions can utterly crumble one’s standing. Haman, in his arrogance, allowed self-serving speech—and, really, self-serving thoughts—to dominate his interactions. And what was the outcome? He walked straight into his destruction.

Matthew

But here’s what’s really interesting—Haman had people in his life warning him. His wife, Zeresh, and his advisors could clearly see the downfall ahead, and they didn’t hesitate to voice the hard truth. Their words carried insight, didn’t they? Yet Haman’s pride blinded him to their wisdom. You see, it’s a reminder for us to, well, remain teachable, to listen when Godly wisdom is spoken into our lives.

Matthew

Now, let’s contrast that with the quiet yet powerful example of Mordecai. Mordecai’s testimony wasn’t through grand speeches; it was through restraint, silence when necessary, and consistency in his actions. I mean, think about that. In a world where we’re often so quick to defend or promote ourselves, Mordecai’s Godly character spoke louder than any word could. It just shows how much strength there is in letting our actions align with our faith.

Matthew

And when we reflect on this story, we’re challenged, aren’t we? Are our words—spoken or unspoken—lining up with the principles we claim to live by? Because, at the end of the day, consistency is key. Without it, our words lose credibility. But when there’s alignment, our testimony becomes a shining reflection of God’s work in us.

Matthew

So here’s a question for you. When others think about your words, your character, and your actions, what image comes to mind? It’s not just about the big moments, but the small, everyday ones—where the ordinary decisions we make speak volumes about who we are and Whom we serve.

Matthew

When we turn to the story of Joab and King Solomon in 1 Kings 2:28–31, When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the Lord and was beside the altar. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down!”So Benaiah entered the tent of the Lord and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’”But he answered, “No, I will die here.”Benaiah reported to the king, “This is how Joab answered me.”Then the king commanded Benaiah, “Do as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so clear me and my whole family of the guilt of the innocent blood that Joab shed. we see a pivotal moment. Joab, in the twilight of his life, flees to the altar, clinging to it in what seems like a desperate act for mercy. But there’s something we need to pause and notice here—Joab doesn’t express true repentance; instead, his actions align more with fear than with a sincere change of heart. instead of pleading to be spared, he said he would die at the altar When Solomon heard that he said do to him according to his words.

Matthew

In contrast to this desperation, we have King Solomon. Solomon doesn’t react impulsively, does he? Instead, his decision is firm and rooted in justice. His words are deliberate, grounded in wisdom that reflects God’s truth. And it’s a striking example of how, in moments of crisis, we are called to respond not out of emotion, but out of integrity and alignment with God’s principles.

Matthew

Now, let’s think about Joab for a moment. His life, if we examine it carefully, was marked by manipulation, by words that deceived and acts that betrayed. And where did it lead him? His words, his choices, ultimately paved the way to his own downfall. It’s a sobering reminder, isn’t it? That words spoken without integrity may serve a temporary purpose, but they echo with lasting consequences.

Matthew

Here’s what we can take away from this. The Wisdom of Solomon challenges us to prepare for critical moments—not when we’re pressed by urgency, but now. By grounding our hearts in God’s Word, by cultivating habits of prayer, bible study and reflection, we build a foundation that guides our speech and our actions, even in the toughest of times.

Matthew

So let me leave you with this thought to reflect on. When you’re facing pressure, do your words reflect trust in God? Do they align with His truth, or do they reveal fear, self-preservation, or even doubt? Remember, what we say—how we choose to speak—reveals where our trust ultimately lies.

Matthew

And that brings us to the essence of this podcast episode. Words are never just words. They carry the power to shape destinies, to build reputations, and to reflect the faith that lives within us. As we’ve seen through Joab, Solomon, and throughout Scripture, our speech doesn’t only define who we are—it reveals Whom we serve. So let’s go forward, daily committing to words that honor God, trusting in His guidance even in moments of difficulty. And on that note, we’ll leave it here. Thanks for joining me today, and until next time, let’s make our words a reflection of Christ’s love and truth.