The Power of Words: Addressing Racism, Toxic Rhetoric, and Violence
Guidance from Biblical Wisdom
Words possess an immense power to shape the world around us. They can heal or harm, inspire or destroy, unite or divide. In the face of modern challenges such as racism, toxic rhetoric, and the violence that often results from them, the wisdom of scripture provides profound guidance for promoting understanding, love, and peace.
Racism and the Destructive Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love to use it will eat its fruitage.” Racism, at its core, is often fueled by words—words that degrade, dehumanize, and divide. Through slurs, stereotypes, and subtle prejudices, the tongue becomes a weapon, inflicting wounds that linger for generations.
The scriptures call us to a higher standard. Psalm 34:13 implores, “Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!” If we aim to dismantle racism, we must first examine our words. Are they perpetuating harm, or are they planting seeds of love and inclusion? By guarding our mouths and speaking truth, we contribute to a life-affirming dialogue that uplifts rather than tears down.
Toxic Rhetoric: A Catalyst for Division
In an age of social media and instant communication, toxic rhetoric spreads like wildfire. Proverbs 10:19 warns, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” The unbridled proliferation of hateful speech and divisive commentary often leads to societal fractures, fanning the flames of misunderstanding and resentment.
Ephesians 4:29 offers a countermeasure: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Constructive words have the power to mend broken relationships and foster unity. By choosing grace-filled language, we can replace toxic rhetoric with messages of hope and reconciliation.
Words as the Root of Violence
Violence does not arise in a vacuum. It is often preceded by a cascade of harmful words that dehumanize others and justify aggression. Proverbs 15:4 teaches, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” A perverse tongue—one that spews hatred, lies, or incitement—crushes not only the spirit of those it targets but also the collective well-being of society.
Matthew 12:36-37 further emphasizes accountability: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” These verses highlight the spiritual weight of our words. They challenge us to consider whether our speech contributes to peace or provokes conflict.
The Path Forward: Speaking Life
The Bible offers a roadmap for transforming our words into instruments of healing and justice. Proverbs 13:3 counsels, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” This is an invitation to practice restraint and wisdom, recognizing that every word has the potential to shape realities.
To combat racism, toxic rhetoric, and violence, we must cultivate a language of love, empathy, and truth. This means calling out injustice with courage but doing so in a way that fosters understanding and change rather than perpetuating division. It means choosing words that affirm the dignity of every person, regardless of race, background, or belief.
Conclusion: The Tree of Life
The power of the tongue, as described in Proverbs 15:4, is profound: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life.” As individuals and communities, we are tasked with sowing words that nurture life, not destroy it. By embracing the wisdom of scripture and applying it to our modern struggles, we can dismantle structures of hatred and build bridges of compassion.
Let us commit to being guardians of our tongues, wielding the immense power of words to heal rather than harm. In doing so, we honor the divine call to love one another and contribute to a world where justice and peace prevail.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 