Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast – Episode “Tongue Trouble”

Introduction In the March 24, 2025 episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast titled "Tongue Trouble," Joel Osteen delivers a powerful message on the profound impact of our words. He emphasizes how the language we use can either propel us toward our destiny or hinder our progress. Joel encourages listeners to cultivate a positive and faith-filled mindset by monitoring their speech and eliminating negative self-talk.

The Power of Words Joel begins by introducing the concept of "Tongue Trouble," explaining that our mouths can be stumbling blocks preventing us from achieving our dreams. He asserts that negative statements about ourselves, our families, or our futures can limit our potential.

Joel Osteen [10:15]: "Everything you're saying, you're giving the right to come to pass. You are prophesying your future."

Joel stresses that our words are invitations to our destiny. When we speak negatively, we invite negative outcomes into our lives. Conversely, positive affirmations can attract blessings and success.

Biblical Illustrations To illustrate his point, Joel references several biblical stories that demonstrate the power of speech:

1. Jeremiah’s Doubt: Joel recounts how the prophet Jeremiah doubted his ability to fulfill God's call due to his youth and inexperience.

   Joel Osteen [18:45]: "God was giving us this principle. Don't give life to those doubts, those weaknesses, those insecurities, those God-knows."

   Joel explains that instead of verbalizing his insecurities, Jeremiah was instructed to simply say, "not that," thereby shutting down negative thoughts before they could manifest.

2. David and Goliath: Using the story of David facing Goliath, Joel highlights how David's refusal to vocalize fear enabled him to triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.

   Joel Osteen [22:30]: "One thing that made David a champion is he didn't speak them out. If he would have had tongue trouble, we wouldn't be talking about him."

3. The Ten Spies: Joel discusses the account of the twelve spies sent to Canaan, where ten reported defeat, leading the Israelites to despair, while Joshua and Caleb spoke victory, aligning with God’s promise.

   Joel Osteen [28:50]: "The negative report spread like wildfire throughout the rest of the camp. God answered them back something very significant... I will do exactly what I heard you say."

Personal Anecdotes and Modern Examples Joel shares personal stories and contemporary examples to reinforce his message:

• Jose Lima’s Story: Joel narrates how Jose Lima, a successful Houston Astros pitcher,’s negative self-talk about his new pitching environment led to a decline in performance after a move to a new ballpark.

  Joel Osteen [25:20]: "I wonder how many times we've been snared by the words of our mouth... If you have a negative mouth, you're going to have a negative life."

• The YMCA Athlete: Reflecting on a former young athlete who frequently declared himself as "old and fat," Joel illustrates how negative speech can shape one’s reality.

  Joel Osteen [20:10]: "He had prophesied it all those years. Be careful what you're inviting in."

Scriptural Foundation Joel grounds his teachings in scripture, emphasizing Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus:

• Proverbs on the Tongue:

  Joel Osteen [31:00]: "The scripture says the tongue can nourish and the tongue can kill. Don't let the tongue kill your dreams, kill your personality, kill your self-esteem, kill your value, let it nourish your life."

• Love Your Neighbor as Yourself:

  Joel Osteen [25:45]: "The scripture says love your neighbor as you love yourself. You can't love others the way you're supposed to if you don't first love yourself."

Joel encourages listeners to speak life-affirming words, aligning their speech with God's promises and their intended destiny.

Practical Advice for Transforming Speech

1. Monitor Your Words: Joel advises listeners to be vigilant about the language they use, especially in moments of difficulty or doubt.

   Joel Osteen [15:30]: "When you start to criticize yourself, tell God what you're not, what you don't have, what you can't do."

2. Replace Negative Statements: Transform negative self-talk into positive affirmations based on God's word.

   Joel Osteen [27:10]: "If you're speaking negative, doubtful it's going to limit what God will do. It's one of the best things you can do. Speak faith when every thought is telling you it's never going to work out."

3. Confess Positive Declarations: Joel encourages making declarations of faith and victory over challenges.

   Joel Osteen [30:05]: "Father, thank you that you're fighting our battles, that you're making ways where we don't see a way... It was a three-year battle. God caused things to fall into place."

4. Use Scripture for Affirmation: Incorporate biblical promises into daily speech to reinforce positive thinking.

   Joel Osteen [26:40]: "Don't let tongue trouble keep you from your destiny. The promised land belongs to you."

Encouragement and Conclusion Joel concludes the episode by urging listeners to take control of their speech to shape a positive future. He emphasizes that by aligning their words with faith and positivity, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their God-given potential.

Joel Osteen [32:30]: "Don't let negative words keep you wandering in the desert. The promised land belongs to you. If you'll put a watch over your mouth, zip up the negative, only speak positive, faith-filled words."

Joel reinforces the idea that our verbal declarations can either bind us to limitations or set us free to realize our full potential. By consciously choosing to speak life and victory, listeners can unlock the blessings and abundances destined for them.

Key Takeaways:

• Words Shape Reality: The language we use has the power to create our future, either limiting or enhancing our lives.
• Positive Affirmations: Replace negative self-talk with positive declarations rooted in faith and scripture.
• Biblical Examples: Stories like Jeremiah, David, and Joshua & Caleb illustrate the importance of speaking victory over defeat.
• Personal Responsibility: Each individual is responsible for monitoring and transforming their speech to align with their desired destiny.
• Faith and Action: Coupling positive speech with faith enables the manifestation of God’s promises and blessings.

Inspirational Quotes:

• Joel Osteen [10:15]: "Everything you're saying, you're giving the right to come to pass."
• Joel Osteen [22:30]: "One thing that made David a champion is he didn't speak them out."
• Joel Osteen [31:00]: "The scripture says the tongue can nourish and the tongue can kill."

Conclusion This episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast serves as a compelling reminder of the power inherent in our words. By adopting a mindset of positivity and faith, and by consciously choosing to speak life-affirming words, listeners can overcome "Tongue Trouble" and unlock their true potential, aligning their speech with their aspirations and divine purpose.