Principal's Ponderings

The Power of Words

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 18:21

Words matter. They build up, or they tear down. They comfort, or they wound. And in the lives of our children, words carry incredible weight.

At Devonport Christian School, we are deeply aware of the power our words hold. A simple “I believe in you,” or “Well done for trying,” can lift a child’s spirit and fuel their growth. On the other hand, harsh, careless or dismissive words can stay lodged in a heart far longer than we would like to admit.

God speaks with power and purpose. From the very beginning, He spoke the world into existence. And Jesus Himself is called “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14). Our God communicates with grace and truth and calls us to do the same.

In parenting and teaching, we often feel stretched. Our patience wears thin, our frustrations spill over and our tone reflects the exhaustion of our day. But God gently calls us to speak life to our children, to our spouses, to one another.

Our words have the power to shape identity. When a child hears “You are lazy” or “You never listen,” they begin to believe it. But when they hear, “You are loved,” “You are capable,” or “Let’s try again,” something shifts. Grace enters the room. Their sense of who they are begins to line up with who God says they are.

James 3 compares our tongues to the rudder of a ship, small but capable of steering great vessels. Our challenge is to be mindful of our words, using them to guide our children toward faith, hope and love.

This week, consider what kind of atmosphere your words are creating in your home. Are your children growing in confidence because of the things they hear from you? Are they learning how to speak kindly to others by hearing how you speak to them?

Here at school, we are encouraging one another to be generous with our encouragement. Students are learning that words like “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” “I forgive you,” and “You are doing great” are not just polite, they are powerful. They reflect the heart of Jesus.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up… that it may benefit those who listen.”

Let’s take this to heart in our homes too.

A kind word can be a turning point in your child’s day. A gentle word can ease anxiety. A thoughtful word can speak healing. And a prayerful word can move mountains.

May we be a community known for our words of life, anchored in love, seasoned with grace and inspired by truth.

With a full heart,

Chad Smit