Speak Life, Not Death: 5 Bible Verses That Will Change Your Prayers, Words & Life

Excerpted from Abundant Life 365.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).

Your words carry power.

This verse reveals that what you speak can either bring life and strength or cause harm and discouragement. The abundant life God desires for you isn’t just about what you receive—it’s also about what you release through your words.

A wholesome tongue refers to speech that is life-giving, uplifting, and full of wisdom. Proverbs 18:21 reinforces this truth: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” What we consistently speak shapes our reality. Encouraging words bring healing, while negative speech tears down, both in our own lives and in the lives of others.

On the other hand, perverseness in speech—words filled with negativity, deception, or criticism—can break the spirit. Harsh words don’t just wound for a moment; they can leave lasting effects. James 3:6 compares the tongue to a fire, warning of its potential to bring destruction if not controlled.

Speaking life doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending difficulties don’t exist, but it does mean choosing to align our words with God’s promises instead of fear or doubt. For example, instead of saying, “I know the Bible says I’m healed, but my back really hurts,” you can say, “Maybe my back does hurt, but the Bible says that by Jesus’ stripes, I’m healed!” Sometimes to speak life you just have to change where you put your “but!”

If you want to see greater joy, peace, and victory in your life, start with what you speak. Choose words that are life-giving, encouraging, optimistic, and declare God’s promises.

You’re Called to Think Bigger

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited (Isaiah 54:2-3).

God calls His people to think bigger, expect more, and prepare for increase. This passage was originally spoken to Israel, but it also reflects a powerful principle for every believer—God’s plans are always greater than what we can see right now. He desires to bring expansion, blessing, and influence to those who trust Him.

The command to “enlarge the place of your tent” refers to making room for what God wants to do. Sometimes, people limit what God can do in their lives by small thinking or fear of change. But faith requires action. Just as Noah built the ark before the rain, we must prepare in expectation of what God is bringing. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

The phrase “do not spare” means to remove hesitation and step fully into God’s plan. He is not a God of lack—His supply is limitless. When we lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes, we prepare for lasting, sustainable growth. Expanding faith often requires stretching beyond comfort zones, but the result is a life that reaches further than we ever imagined.

If you’ve been hesitant to believe for more, let this be your encouragement: God wants to enlarge your capacity to receive as well as to impact others. Step forward in faith, prepare for increase, and trust that He is leading you into a season of expansion and abundance!

Agree with His Promises!

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

There is power in agreement. Jesus gives an incredible promise in this verse—when believers come together in faith and pray, Heaven responds! Prayer is not just an individual act; it is a powerful partnership that releases God’s power into our lives.

This verse highlights the importance of unity among believers in faith. Agreement in prayer is more than just saying the same words—it means standing together, believing for the same outcome, and trusting that God will fulfill His Word. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Unity in prayer strengthens faith and positions us to receive from God. Jesus Himself prayed for unity among believers, knowing that there is strength when we stand together.

When Jesus says, “anything they ask,” He’s not limiting us to only what seems possible or practical—He’s inviting us to come boldly, even with the small or seemingly impossible things. This kind of prayer is about hearts aligned with Him, praying in agreement and faith. When we’re walking in relationship with God and with each other, our prayers naturally begin to reflect His heart. And in that space of unity and trust, nothing is off the table.

If you are facing a challenge, don’t pray alone—find a faith-filled believer to stand with you. When two or more come together in faith, God moves. Unity is strength, and His power is released in ways that go beyond what we could accomplish on our own. Stand firm, believe together, and watch as He brings His will to pass in your life. His Word is true, and He is always faithful to fulfill His promises.

Come Boldly to the Throne

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

God does not ask us to approach Him with hesitation or fear—He invites us to come boldly. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to the Father, where mercy and grace are always available. No matter what we face, we can confidently bring our needs before Him, knowing He hears and responds.

The word boldly implies confidence, not arrogance. We do not come before God based on our own worthiness but on Christ’s finished work. Ephesians 3:12 says, “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Our access to God is not restricted—we are welcomed as His children.

“The throne of grace” reminds us that God’s rule is not one of condemnation but of love and unmerited favor. He is a just King, yet His throne is characterized by grace. No matter how many times we fall short, His grace never runs out.

We can always rely on the Lord that no matter what we lack, He provides. Mercy covers our past mistakes, and grace empowers us for the future. His help is not distant or delayed— it is present and personal, meeting us exactly where we are.

If you’ve been hesitant to approach God, let this verse be your assurance: His throne is open to you. Come boldly, receive His mercy, and walk in the abundant grace He has freely given.

His Compassion Doesn’t Fail

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

No matter what yesterday looked like, God’s mercy is fresh and available today. His love is not based on our perfection, nor does it run out when we make mistakes. This verse reminds us that His compassion is unfailing, and each new day is an opportunity to experience His goodness.

The book of Lamentations was written during a time of deep sorrow for Israel. Yet in the midst of suffering, Jeremiah shifts his focus to the faithfulness of God. Even when everything seemed hopeless, he recognized that it was only by God's mercy that the people were not completely destroyed. His love and grace are what sustain us, even in our darkest moments.

“His compassions fail not” is a powerful truth. People may grow weary of extending kindness, but God’s love never grows weaker. Psalm 103:8 confirms, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” No matter how many times we fall short, He remains patient and compassionate.

The promise that His mercies are new every morning means that we never have to live in yesterday’s failures. Every sunrise is a fresh start, free from guilt and condemnation. Isaiah 43:19 declares, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth.” God specializes in renewal, always offering grace for a new beginning.

If you’ve been carrying regret or discouragement, let this verse remind you—God’s mercy is greater than your mistakes. His faithfulness is unshakable, and He is ready to pour out His compassion on you today.