Relying on Yahweh’s Protection Against Hurtful Words

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of cruel, unfair, or thoughtless words, you know how much they can hurt. Words have power. They can build us up or tear us down. Sometimes, the most painful wounds don’t come from physical attacks but from the things people say… especially when those words come from people we love or respect and especially during recovery’s rocky road.

Maybe you’ve been called names, falsely accused, or mocked for your faith. Maybe someone you trusted spoke words that left deep scars. If that’s you, I want to encourage you today: You don’t have to carry those wounds. Yahweh is your protector, and He will guard your heart from the damage of hurtful words.

Recognizing the Battle

The Bible is clear that our words carry weight. Proverbs 18:21 says:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

What people say about us or to us can either nourish us or poison us. But here’s the truth: Just because someone speaks something over you doesn’t mean it’s the truth. Even if it is the truth, you can use it as a pivotal turning point to change by committing it to Jesus, repenting, and never doing it again. Either way, it’s a win/win.

David, who wrote much of the Psalms, knew what it was like to be attacked by words. People lied about him, insulted him, and tried to ruin his reputation. But instead of taking revenge or letting their words define him, David turned to Yahweh for protection:

“You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31:20)

That verse is powerful. It reminds us that God doesn’t just protect us from physical danger… He shields us from the harm of cruel words.

How Do We Rely on Yahweh’s Protection?

1. Remember Who You Belong To

When people criticize, mock, or falsely accuse you, it’s easy to start believing their words. But you are not defined by what others say. You are defined by what Yahweh says about you.

Isaiah 54:17 is a promise you can hold onto:

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.

That means no matter what people say, their words don’t have the final authority over your life. Only God does.

2. Pray for Yahweh’s Shield to Guard Your Heart

David prayed often for God to guard him against people’s words. One of his most powerful prayers was in Psalm 141:3 which says,

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

If David asked God to guard his mouth, we can also ask Him to guard our hearts from the words of others. Instead of letting those words take root in our souls to develop a root of bitterness, we can pray:

“Father, I know that people’s words can hurt, but I refuse to let them define me. Guard my heart from bitterness, offense, and insecurity. Remind me of Your truth.” In Jesus Name, Amen.

3. Respond Like Jesus

Jesus faced constant insults, accusations, and false statements, yet He never let them control Him. When He was being falsely accused before His crucifixion, He didn’t even defend Himself. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Yahweh. Let’s look at 1 Peter 2;23:

“Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

That doesn’t mean we should let people walk all over us. But it does mean that we don’t have to engage in every argument or prove ourselves to people who misunderstand us. Sometimes the greatest sign of strength is trusting God to fight our battles instead of trying to defend ourselves.

4. Speak Truth Over Yourself

The enemy loves to use people’s words to make us feel worthless, unloved, or rejected. But every time you hear a negative word, fight back with the truth of God’s Word.

• When someone says, “You’ll never change,” remind yourself: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
• When someone says, “You’re worthless,” stand on: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
• When people gossip or spread lies about you, hold onto: “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)

5. Forgive and Release the Hurt

One of the hardest things to do is forgive those who have spoken words that wounded us; however, carrying bitterness only gives their words more power over us. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:44:

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Forgiveness doesn’t mean what they said was okay or that it will be quickly forgotten. It means you refuse to let their words control your life. When you forgive, you free yourself.

Yahweh is Your Defender

If you’ve been wounded by words, I want you to know this: God sees, He cares, and He is your Defender. He will heal your heart, protect your peace, and silence every lie spoken against you.

Psalm 91:4 is one of the greatest promises of protection in Scripture:

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”

His truth… not people’s opinions… will be your shield. His love… not their rejection… will define you. His presence… not their words… will be your safe place.

You Are Not What They Say

At the end of the day, people will always have something to say. Some will misunderstand you. Some will judge you unfairly. People love to gossip and argue. Always remember that their words do not have the power to change the identity Yahweh has given you in Jesus Christ.

So today, I encourage you to let Yahweh God be your Defender. Take your wounds to Him in Jesus name. Let Him heal you. Stand on His Word. And walk in the confidence that you are deeply loved, completely protected, and eternally secure in Him. Until I actually got it myself, I used to put my Bible down on my floor and stand on it repeating the Scriptures that Yahweh spoke to me.

Because in the end, the only words that truly matter are His.

Have a truly blessed rest of your day, knowing always that you are covered in our Messiah’s Blood. Hope to see you next post. In the meantime, bye for now. Stay strong in Him!