The Stewardship of Words
Because what we say — and post — matters to God
In Christian circles, we often use the word stewardship in reference to money. Most churchgoers expect that a sermon with the word stewardship in the title will eventually be about giving more money.
But what if we thought about stewardship more broadly?
What if we considered the stewardship of our words?
The Gift—and Power—of Words
The English alphabet has only twenty-six letters, yet those letters can be arranged into thousands upon thousands of words.
God created us with the remarkable ability to form ideas in our minds and communicate them to others. He even designed an intricate system in our bodies that turns thoughts into spoken words.
Words are an incredible gift.
And like every gift from God, they are meant to be used wisely.
What the Bible Says About Our Words
James 3:1–12 reminds us that our words can both help and harm. It depends on how we use them.
In Matthew 12:33–37, Jesus teaches that our words reveal the condition of our hearts. We speak from what fills us.
Jesus essentially taught this principle long before Miranda warnings: What you say can—and will—be used as evidence about you.
In Ephesians 4:25–32, Paul urges us to use words that build up rather than tear down. We are to put away words that are false, corrupt, bitter, and angry, and replace them with words that are truthful, gracious, forgiving, and kind.
Our words matter to God.
Becoming Stewards of Our Words
My challenge is simple: See yourself as a steward of your words.
That begins by surrendering what we often assume is our “right” to say whatever we want.
We live in a culture that celebrates the right to “speak your mind” or “speak from the heart.” That would be fine if our minds and hearts were not affected by sin.
Instead of asking, Do I have the right to say this? we should ask, Does God want me to say this?
How different would our conversations be?
My grandmother used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
If everyone followed that advice, the world would be much quieter.
THINK Before You Speak
Years ago, I learned a simple acrostic that helps evaluate our speech. It encourages us to THINK before we speak.
Each letter represents a question to ask before our words leave our mouths.
T — Is It TRUE?
This question alone would stop much gossip.
Do I know this is true? Can I verify it from firsthand knowledge, or am I repeating something I heard?
Hearing something is not the same as needing to repeat it.
H — Is It HELPFUL?
Why am I saying this?
Will my words build someone up or tear them down? Will they improve the situation or make it worse?
And most importantly: Is my motive pure?
I — Is It INSPIRING?
What will my words produce?
Will they encourage someone or spur others “to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24)?
Not every sentence must be inspirational, but our words should generally strengthen others rather than weaken them.
N — Is It NECESSARY?
Does this need to be said?
What happens if I stay silent instead of speaking? Am I the right person to say it, or should someone else?
And even if it should be said, is this the right time?
Wisdom is not only knowing what to say, but when to say it.
K — Is It KIND?
How can I say this with grace and “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6)?
Kindness does not mean avoiding hard truths. Love sometimes requires difficult conversations.
But even hard truth can be spoken with grace.
Changing Our Words Begins Deeper
There is one challenge: our words do not begin in our mouths.
They begin in our minds and hearts.
To change our speech, we must first change our thinking. Philippians 4:8 gives a clear pattern:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
When our minds dwell on what is good, our words will begin to reflect it.
Because words flow from the heart, we must also guard what shapes it.
Galatians 5:16–23 describes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Imagine how different our words would be if they consistently came from that kind of heart.
When God’s Word shapes our minds and God’s Spirit governs our hearts, we will begin to use our words wisely as faithful stewards.
And Yes, This Includes Social Media
There is one more place where we must practice stewardship of words: social media.
Everything Scripture says about speech applies to what we post, text, email, comment, and share.
Social media has given nearly everyone a public voice. Unfortunately, it has also encouraged the idea that we can say whatever we want simply because we have a platform.
But typed words are still words.
Before hitting Post, Send, or Reply, we should ask:
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Is it inspiring?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
Social media is simply another form of speech—and Christians are called to steward it well.
A Prayer for Our Words
One of the best prayers we can pray each day is found in Scripture:
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” —Psalm 141:3
Because in the end, our words are not truly ours.
They belong to the One who entrusted them to us.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” —1 Corinthians 4:2
May we be faithful stewards—even of our words.