I believe that one of the most critical battlegrounds in our spiritual life is found in the words we speak. As “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities… against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV), our speech becomes a primary arena where unseen forces attempt to influence and derail us. Recognizing this reality helps us stand firm and speak in a way that honors God and resists the enemy.
Understanding the Battlefield
James gives a stark warning about the power of our words:
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members… and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:6 KJV)
This vivid picture reminds us that our speech can be hijacked by enemy influences if we’re not vigilant. In a very real sense, the war for our souls is tied to how we speak to—and about—others.
The Enemy’s Tactics
Jesus called Satan “a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44 KJV). The enemy aims to corrupt our speech through:
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Deception
“For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV)
He seeks to deceive us into speaking lies or half-truths. -
Accusation
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10 KJV)
He tempts us to sling accusations at others, destroying unity and trust. -
Division
“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25 KJV)
He loves sowing seeds of discord through gossip, slander, or cruel speech.
Our Defensive Arsenal
The Shield of Faith
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16 KJV) Faith acts as a protective layer over our hearts and minds, guarding our words from enemy infiltration.
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Standing on God’s Promises
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV)
Remember that God’s truth stands above any lie the enemy brings. -
Speaking Truth Over Lies
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…” (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)
Declare God’s Word against deception, both in your own thoughts and in your conversations.
The Helmet of Salvation
Our speech flows from our thoughts. Protecting your mind is key: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 KJV) The more we embrace the reality of our salvation, the more our words reflect His redemptive truth.
Offensive Weapons
The Sword of the Spirit
“And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17 KJV) Jesus modeled this in the wilderness temptation by responding to Satan with “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 KJV) The Word cuts through the enemy’s lies and reestablishes divine truth.
The Power of Praise
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength… because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2 KJV) Praising God not only uplifts our spirit but also silences demonic accusations and discouragement. When we exalt the Lord, we remind the enemy of his defeat.
Recognizing Spiritual Attack in Conversations
- Sudden Anger
- “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22 KJV)
- An unexpected flare of anger could indicate the enemy’s influence.
- Division Attempts
- “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.” (Titus 3:10 KJV)
- The devil delights in pitting believers against each other.
- Pride Triggers
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)
- If ego rises quickly, beware; the enemy is seeking a foothold.
Combat Strategies
- Guard Your Heart
- “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
- Regularly check your motives and attitudes before you speak.
- Practice Self-Control
- “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28 KJV)
- Slow down responses; pray before letting emotions drive your words.
- Stay in Prayer
- “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV)
- Communicate with God consistently, asking Him to sanctify your speech.
Victory Through Surrender
James 4:7 remains our cornerstone: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Surrender to the Lord’s authority is the surest way to overcome the enemy’s attempts to manipulate our words. Yield your tongue, motives, and reactions to Him, and watch how His peace rules in your heart and transforms your conversations.
Healing from Word Wounds
If you’ve been wounded by harsh words—or have wounded others—take heart:
- Forgive
- “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another…” (Colossians 3:13 KJV)
- Release the offense to God; holding onto bitterness only deepens the hurt.
- Seek God’s Healing
- “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 KJV)
- Bring your pain before the Lord in prayer, trusting Him to restore and comfort you.
Speaking Life in Spiritual Warfare
Though the tongue can be a battleground, it can also be a conduit of blessing: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21 KJV) As followers of Christ:
- Bless, Don’t Curse
- “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” (Romans 12:14 KJV)
- Overcome evil with good by refusing to retaliate with harmful words.
- Speak Truth in Love
- “Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things…” (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)
- Let compassion shape your words, even when confronting falsehood.
Conclusion
In every spiritual battle, we have the assurance: “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 KJV) By submitting our hearts and tongues to the Holy Spirit, we gain victory over the enemy’s lies and accusations. May we continually use our words to build, bless, and reflect God’s love, advancing His kingdom with every conversation.