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Change Your Words, Change Your Life: Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak

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'Words are a big deal. They are containers for power. I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy. They can affect the answers to our prayers and have a positive or negative effect on our future.'Joyce Meyer shows us how the words we use shape our well-being and that choosing the right ones could change our lives for the better! In CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE Joyce provides a series of guidelines for making sure that our words are constructive, healthy, healing and used to good effect. Topics The impact of words- How to tame your tongue- When to talk and when not to talk- Speaking faith and not fear- The corrosion of complaints- Do you really have to give your opinion?- The importance of keeping your word- The power of speaking God's wordIn a 'Dictionary of God's Word' at the end of the book, Joyce recommends dozens of scripture verses to read out loud as one way of using and claiming healing words.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

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About the author

Joyce Meyer

1,563 books3,881 followers
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

Her latest book, LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE, releases Spring 2018.

Hachette Book Group has sold over 30 million copies of Joyce Meyer's books.

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5 stars
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514 (25%)
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215 (10%)
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35 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Profile Image for Denise Ballentine.
511 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2013
I have never been a "fan" of Joyce Meyer, never listened to an entire message that she has preached, never been to one of her conferences and, until now, never read one of her books. That being said, I really liked this book! I am not a "charismatic" Christian, and I know that Meyer is firmly placed in that camp, but I found almost nothing in here that I would disagree with. Easy to understand, grounded on scripture, this book is very helpful in understanding the power of our words and the correct use of our mouth. I found lessons and advice that I immediately put into practice. I checked this out of the library, but this immensely useful and powerful book is one I will definitely add to my own personal library.
Profile Image for Kathleen (Kat) Smith.
1,613 reviews94 followers
October 12, 2012
I know you've heard the saying before, "you are what you say!" Yet how often do we take the time really to consider just what we are saying most of the time. It reminds me of another saying when dealing with others, I used to hear from my mom, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all!" How true those sayings really are.

Just the other day a great friend of mine got some incredible news that would mean the world to her family that was facing huge financial difficulties as well as some health issues for her husband. When God came through for them in a very powerful way, I was the first person she called. I was super excited for her because I knew what a burden had been lifted off their shoulders. Then she told me something interesting. She said she was also having doubts that perhaps the reason these things were happening was because the health issue facing her husband was going to turn out well and that's God's way of preparing her for the worst. How funny the enemy is when in the midst of God's glory he is still trying to plant seeds of doubt when we should be celebrating the joys. I reminded her to simply trust God and take it one day at a time. I also reminded her that the words that we speak because the water for the seeds we plant in ourselves. So what you want to grow will become the words you speak, we in fact are watering those seeds of doubt instead of the seeds of joy in this particular situation.

These are just a handful of the insights you will glean from Joyce Meyer's new book, Change Your Words, Change Your Life. There is actually an entire chapter devoted to just what my friend was encountering and so the advice and words of wisdom I shared with her, really hit home. It changed her perspective and really made her think about what she was saying. Joyce reminds you that what you think becomes what we often say. Instead of speaking those negative thoughts which we know don't come from God, we are breathing life into the lies the enemy is planting. This book will really help change your life. It always begins in our minds, our thoughts which eventually become our words, so which seeds will you begin planting today? What kind of fruit are you looking to harvest for God's kingdom and glory?

I received Change Your Words, Change Your Life by Joyce Meyer, compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. There is so much to help you on the path that will literally change your life in this wonderful hardcover book. Some of the chapters deal with "How to Be Happy," "When to Talk and When Not to Talk," "Speaking Faith and Not Fear," "Do you Really Have to Give Your Opinion?" The Corrosion of Complaints," and so much much more. We all know how hard it is sometimes to hold our tongue when someone offends us or we get upset in fact the Bible is clear we are instructed to do just that. With this book as your guide, and Joyce's straight to the point message, you are bound to find improvement with reading this and applying it to your daily life. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be referring to this one A LOT!!!
Profile Image for Aurimas  Gudas.
222 reviews86 followers
August 30, 2022
Manau, žodžiai turi milžinišką galią: ši gali būti arba teigiama, kuriančioji, arba neigiama, griaunančioji. Joyce Meyer

Keisdami žodžius galite keisti savo gyvenimą. Joyce Meyer

Tinkamas žodis, pasakytas tinkamu laiku, gali pakeisti gyvenimą. Joyce Meyer

Dievo Žodis mus moko labai svarbaus dalyko – kaip žemės sėkla, taip ir Dievo Žodis duoda derlių. Joyce Meyer

Jei norite likti sunkumuose, ir toliau apie juos kalbėkite. Tačiau jei norite jų atsikratyti, kalbėkite apie išeitis, tarsi jos tuoj pat atsiras. Joyce Meyer

Jei arklio jojimo kryptį keičia žąslai nasruose, o laivo kursą – nedidelis vairas, manau, mūsų gyvenimo kryptį gali keisti žodžiai, išeinantys iš mūsų lūpų. Joyce Meyer
Profile Image for Mary Lou.
1,092 reviews24 followers
November 18, 2012
Anyone who's read this book will hesitate to say anything less than positive about it, as it would show they didn't take the message to heart. In a nutshell, it's the same advice Thumper's wise mother gave him, i.e. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." But not just because it's a more pleasant way to live, but because the Bible tells us that negativity is a sin against God. The message is a good one, and one I needed to hear. However, if I could offer constructive criticism to Ms. Meyer, I would suggest that the information could have been conveyed in less than 300 pages, and I would ask her to PLEASE forego her habit of interpreting Bible passages paranthetically. Her lists of synonyms within the quotes are a distraction, rather than being helpful.
Profile Image for Jill Kemerer.
Author 118 books623 followers
January 12, 2013
This book made all the difference to me this January. It was exactly what I needed to read, and I spread it out over the course of two weeks. I also took tons of notes.

Joyce Meyer nails the message home--we must watch our words and thoughts to have our best life. Negativity isn't good for us or the world. I love her advice about speaking Scriptural truths out loud.

If you're tired of feeling negative, read this book! It's wonderful!
Profile Image for Gail Welborn.
609 reviews18 followers
February 6, 2013
Joyce Meyer examines the power, energy and influences of words in her new release, ‘Change Your Words, Change Your Life,’ that complements her other books, Power Thoughts and Living beyond Your Feelings. She quotes Proverb 18:21, “…the power of life and death are in the tongue” to support her teachings.

To further illustrate the power of words, she gives two examples. The first, a new father who hears “Da-da” for the first time and begins to cry and, “When God said…” (Genesis 1:3) words God used to speak the world into being.

She likens “…our words to a movie screen that exposes…” a person’s thoughts and attitudes to the world and reveals what that person “…thinks wants and feels.” She also says readers learn a lot about themselves if they pay attention to the words they use. For example, consider whether your word choices reflect a positive, constructive attitude or a negative, destructive point-of-view.

The insightful chapter on how words become self-fulfilling prophecies in “seedtime and harvest” is worth the cost of the book. Just as farmer’s sow seed they later harvest, Joyce says, the words we sow are powerful “spiritual seeds” harvested in the lives, souls and spirits of others as well as ourselves.

Emotionally battered children, who’ve only heard they’re no good and will never amount to anything carry such words into adulthood…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/b72t53z

Profile Image for Evelyn.
394 reviews
April 5, 2013
The audio was good. However, this is the kind of book that I feel the need to highlight, underline and tab. And carry around with you. So, I'm going to have to buy a hard copy.
Profile Image for Jody Paglia.
22 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2014
This is my first experience with Joyce Meyer's work. The title, "Change Your Words, Change Your Life" is empowering. She covers the issue of personal communication at all angles. This is not a "how to" book that teaches methods to persuade and manipulate people to gain what we want. It is a "how to" book with methods to change within ourselves, in the way we communicate and choose our words.

Meyer emphasizes the need to be positive in our responses, but she delves much deeper into the subject. There is more to this than smiling and bubbling our way around all the time. Sometimes the best communication is not to say anything at all. Not everything we think needs to be shared. Among the many rules Meyer provides to augment our life with our words are:

Talk less and listen more.
Complain less and compliment more.
Criticize less and encourage more.
Avoid gossip and do not jump on the bandwagon to condemn others.
Only give your opinion when asked.
Refrain from being judgmental.
Even jokes can be hurtful so tread carefully when jesting.
Mind your own business.
If we must confront an issue, be firm but kind.

and one of my favorites,

Keep your word. If you say that you are going to do something, do it.

There is a lot to this book and it is ironically very wordy. It is heavy on scripture and scattered with anecdotes. Overall, I enjoyed it and will take much of what I read to heart.











Profile Image for Sherri.
45 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2013
This is a great book. It has really helped me be acutely aware of the things that come out of my mouth that are not edifying to me or others. I read this after reading So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore. Reading both books has helped me to recognize how many of the things I think and say are rooted in insecurity.
Profile Image for Nikki.
3 reviews2 followers
Read
January 8, 2013
Great! Good reminder of how our words carry more power than we think!
Profile Image for Andrew.
796 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2012
In Change Your Words, Change Your Life, Joyce Meyer demonstrated the importance of controlling your tongue and speaking life enhancing words about yourself and others. Joyce Meyer pointed out that social media has introduced a whole new concept of us having to watch what we type/say to others. Cyberbullying has spread vicious words among children and teenagers. This is an important area that we have to watch what we say or type. We can choose to share positive words or negative words it’s up to us. Many times we criticize ourselves or others and we don’t realize the damage we’re causing. Joyce stated that many believers claim to believe in God but they aren’t in agreement with the promises he has declared he would do. They listen to the devil and his lies that they aren’t loved and forgiven. The word says they are loved and forgiven for their sins!

One of the stories that Joyce Meyer shared was about a freshman in high school named, Kyle. Kyle was walking home from school and he had all his books with him. This other young boy noticed this and thought to himself that he must be a nerd. A few seconds later he saw a group of kids knocking his books out of Kyle’s hands. The young boy befriended Kyle and reached out to him. On graduation day, Kyle revealed the truth in a speech. Kyle planned to kill himself that very day and he cleaned out his locker where his mother wouldn’t have to. I paraphrase the story from pages 14-16. This story hit home to me and helped me to realize the importance of reaching out to others despite how others may criticize us for doing so. Words had such a huge impact for Kyle and it changed and saved his life. What if the young boy hadn’t reached out and became Kyle’s friend.

The book included a personal list that Joyce Meyer wrote in 1976 concerning the truth of what God’s word and what she wanted in her future. One of my scriptures was: “As a man thinketh in his heart; so is he. (Prov. 23:7). This reminded me to control what I believe about myself. If it doesn’t line up with the word of God, I have to reject it as lies. She also believed this, “All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them. (1 Cor. 15:33). When she began confessing this life changing declaration, her oldest child was only fourteen years old! All of her children are currently married! I’m believing for the same thing over my life and my children and grandchildren lives! The list was around five pages long and I am so glad she shared this personal details. It was a huge encouragement to remind me to write down some of scriptures verses that I need to declare over my life.

I would recommend this astonishing resource to anyone who is longing to figure how to make process in taming the tongue. Words have incredible power and when used wisely can bless or we can choose to curse others. This book has the potential to change your life if you put into practice the lessons and get in agreement with speaking God’s word. The book reminded me to keep my word when I tell someone I will do something I need to follow through, stop complaining, and listen to others and only share my opinion when I need to. Speaking encouragement and building up others is how mature Christians act. This is an area that I see that I must work actively to find areas to communicate to others much needed encouragement.

I immensely enjoyed the “Dictionary of God’s Word” included in the back of the book. It covered scriptures to speak over your life when you’re depressed, angry, seeking healing, afraid, rejected, lonely, needing financial help, and much more. There is so much power in this book that will benefit readers seeking to improve their daily life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with saying the right things about themselves or others.

“I received this book free from Hachette Book Group/Faith Works.”


Profile Image for Carla Still.
93 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2016
Packed with great insights and truths, underlining and marking was not enough for this book. I've tagged for quick reference. This is truly a life changing book promoting thoughts, words, and a life that God wants for us to enjoy.

"A happy heart is good medicine, and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." ~ Proverbs 17:22

Joyce Meyer:

"The more good things you speak, the more good you will experience in your life."

"We can immediately increase our joy by speaking right words."

"If Jesus had come to earth and talked only about His circumstances and how bad they were, and all the wicked people and how bad they were, how bad the government was, et cetera, we would still be hopeless and lost in our sin. But Jesus came preaching the Good News, the goodness of God, and the fruit of goodness. He wants us to be as committed to finding and magnifying the good in everything as He was."

Profile Image for Maybee Library.
442 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2020
As always Joyce nailed it! This book speaks to what should be obvious to us all as we age. But... unfortunately it is not. I went into this book assuming it would be a quick upbeat soul booster. I was right and wrong. Joyce gets right into From the overflow of our hearts, our mouth speaks. We welcome into our lives what we invite in from our mouths. If all we do is gripe and complain then all we will see around us is more reasons to express those emotions. We need to take a Godly approach in areas from marriage to work to finance.
Joyce also covers not letting past pain hold you captive to it. A lot of times we carry that damage around with us and it becomes our filter that we see the world through. What a clouded, dim view of life that is. What a miserable weight to carry around with us.
I always love Joyce's perspective. She has been there done that and endured more that anyone should have to. This makes for a very honest read!
Profile Image for Jess Coulston .
38 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2015
I really want to divulge further into this topic. But YUCK this author is SUCH a bible thumper I seriously I can't even keep reading this book. If only she could have kept her religion at bay and prioritized the value of your words!
4 reviews
November 11, 2014
This should really be titled God Can Change Your Life, because the number of biblical references and invocations of God's will are enough to disgust any but the staunchest Christian.

This should not be classified under Psychology or Self-Help, but under Bible Studies. Ugh.
Profile Image for Molly Simanjuntak.
30 reviews
August 8, 2015
This is my first book of Joyce Meyer. I bought it a long time ago. Never thought to resume this book. Last time i bought it because i think i need to learn how to speak properly. In the beginning, i dont like this book just because this book just like “guidance book” not kind of book that i was looking for. I want to find practical book that would suit in daily life.
After i read this book, i took much footage from this book. Even, i left many colors marks and notes in this book haha.. She taught me to think what I supposed to think while I am in certain specific situations. I think i want to share some notes from her :

1. We eat our words.
2. Loose mouth diseases. This is serious bad diseases that would spread quickly hard.
3. I am forgiven, I forgive those who hurt me, and I let go of what is behind because God is doing a new thing in my life.
4. Your mind is your own, and you can keep thoughts that you like and cast out ones that you do not like.
5. Always remember that it is important not only stop saying wrong things, but to begin saying right things.
6. Increase your own peace.
7. God alone is judge of all things.
8. The last thing i love the most in this book is about a group of frogs in last chapter (but not very last). Story about how to respond negative words. Not work every time, but at least i have to try that.

Above all, i love her. She taught me many things.
And I am still asking God to help me.

Molly HS
*Just want to fulfill 20books of resumes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
254 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2014
This is a great book. It gives a Christian perspective on why we need to choose our words carefully. Also, when to...not say whatever is on your mind. It's very practical, like everything Joyce Meyer writes.

Avoid complaining, gossiping, criticizing even when it's toward yourself! Don't talk to yourself as if you're worthless, fat, stupid, or whatever negativity you can think about.

And instead replace it with kindness, praise, and lovely words (especially for God).

I enjoy some of the quotes:

"Don't speak unless you can improve the silence." -Spanish proverb
"Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment." -Ira Gassen
"Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate." -Albert Schweitzer

Profile Image for Jen.
3,474 reviews27 followers
March 12, 2014
This book was exactly what I needed. The only flies in the ointment are the author's almost obsessive need to break up the Scriptures she is using with copious synonyms, breaking up the flow of the Word and also the author's eyebrow raising wealth. I like to research what I read and typed in the author's name, as I forgot the name of the book, and saw the Wiki page for the author. So I clicked on it. I won't say anything more than, she has her own private jet...

Author finances aside, the book is phenomenal. I'm glad I read it. It's a keeper and a re-read, definitely.
Profile Image for Mel.
581 reviews
January 14, 2015
The second book of Joyce Meyer's that I've enjoyed. (I've read about 4 or 5).
This book helps to be aware of the negative thoughts and things we say, usually without much thought given to them.
I know there are many non-religious people that believe in the power of thoughts and words.
Meyer gives many examples of both positive and negative thoughts and words with scripture.
She also shares her personal experiences and growth in the power of the Word with changing thoughts and words.
How many parents teach their children to not say hate or can't? It's a good start.
Profile Image for Casey.
194 reviews
June 28, 2016
What an incredibly powerful and empowering read. I truly believe in the power of our words to influence ourselves, our faith, and those around us. Joyce Meyer is one of my all-time favorite Christian teachers, and this book is a perfect example of why. This is a marvelous teaching on how to lean on God's Word to guard and direct our own words. Mastering our words can really affect our happiness and our lives. I encourage everyone to read this and let the lesson into your heart. You will be glad you did!
Profile Image for Shelly.
71 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2020
I'm probably not a very fair critic for this because I have such a great appreciation for Joyce Meyer's teaching and writing, but this has been one of my favorites....I most appreciated the practical (for some, yes, common sense) advice and pointers. I have heard many people say "she's just telling you what should be common sense", well, I tend to get lost in the mess of the world and need a dose of common sense reminders every now and again :) So maybe that's why I enjoyed this book so much!
Profile Image for Chuck Bradley.
117 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2012
This book contained a lot of wisdom and rock solid advice. It also had a great deal more proselytization than I expected or appreciated. I thought the author's arrogance in presuming to tell us what God thinks, how He behaves and why as well as “enhancing” quoted scripture passages as if they were not well written enough, was more than a little off-putting. If you can get past those things, you can take a good deal from this book.
6 reviews
March 23, 2017
Another excellent book by Joyce Meyer. Our words are so powerful, death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

Joyce does a wonderful job of bringing wisdom to the area of using our words wisely to honor God.

I find her teaching to be very powerful and direct. I would highly recommend any of her teachings to assist a believer in maturing in their relationship with God.
Profile Image for Krissy.
11 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2015
This is the first Joyce Meyer book I have read and it motivated me to read several of her other books. This book is great for anyone who is struggling with where they are in life. The message is very clear that words have a direct impact on our lives and that to see change, we need to change the way we speak. It certainly makes you think before you speak. I know that I am more conscious of my words and have benefited from being more calculated in my speech.
Profile Image for Linda.
277 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2013
Joyce Meyers has a gift for teaching the Bible. She takes the Scriptures and appplies them so we have an understanding of how to live them out in a simple, practical way. Change Your Words, Change Your Life is a book for everyone. There is so much truth in this book that it is one you can refer to time and time again. There is always room for improvement when it comes to our choice of words.
Profile Image for Jenny.
7 reviews
February 26, 2015
My first Joyce Meyer read. And probably my last. While it was a more than adequate treatment of the Biblical principles about speech and it certainly made me think more carefully about what comes out of my mouth, the writing (conversational style) was distracting and her teaching bordered on (if not flat out tipped over to) prosperity theology too much for my liking.
Profile Image for Ladypoet Nfaith.
11 reviews1 follower
Read
May 19, 2017
Joyce Meyer is a gifted writer. I'd like to think of her as a minister of emotions. You never know the impact of your words until they are released. Words have power. This book is about damage control verbally and mentally. " life and death lies in the pier of the tongue". She said it best, " change your words change your life". What you don't know can hurt you and others. Very good read.
Profile Image for Janelle Hood.
12 reviews17 followers
October 21, 2012
It was an amazing book! I learned so much! It answered a lot of questions and struggles that I had about speaking what was factual verses what is actually true (scriptural). I think that everyone should read this book! It is on such an important topic.
381 reviews
November 5, 2012
This is a powerful book that helps the readers understand how to choose words and thoughts that create peace and power in their lives. If people throughout the world understood and applied the concepts in this book, we would have peace in our hearts, homes, and nations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews

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