The Transformative Power of Speech: Rabbi Noah Weinberg’s Third Path to Wisdom

In his series 48 Ways to Wisdom, Rabbi Noah Weinberg outlines the third path our Sages teach: “Using your lips”, or more precisely, the verbalization of thoughts. He explains at length how speech directly impacts how we pursue our goals.

“Since we were children,” Rabbi Weinberg begins, “we were taught that learning must be done quietly. ‘Shhh!’ is a foundational rule. If you drop a book in a university library, it’s as if you dropped a bomb. And yet, if you’ve ever walked into a study hall in a yeshiva, you were probably shocked by the loud, thunderous voices filling the room. You may have wondered how anyone can possibly learn in such noise.”

“Well,” he continues, “it’s all a matter of habit. To truly achieve clarity, to penetrate the depths of wisdom, we must use our lips- that is, speak out loud.”

The Power of Speaking Out Loud

The phrase “using your lips” means organizing your thoughts through verbal expression. To achieve structured and clear understanding, we must articulate our thoughts.

Have you ever tried studying for a test, your eyes moving over the words, but your mind elsewhere? Outside it’s spring, birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and you're stuck indoors with your books. Judaism suggests a simple yet powerful method to read the material slowly and aloud, and you’ll find yourself engaging with it more deeply. Even reading a newspaper out loud can take your comprehension and focus to a whole new level. At first, it may feel awkward, but soon enough, you’ll see the results.

Try this: Ask yourself, “Why am I alive?” Then answer aloud: “I’m alive to…” Do you feel the difference? Speaking fundamental truths out loud helps you internalize them and measure how aligned your daily life is with your core values.

Say It to Mean It

Everyone wants to be happy, successful, and fulfilled. We want to maximize our potential and live meaningful lives. But it’s not enough to want it- say it! Say out loud: “I want to succeed.” Repeat it. Record yourself. Then listen. Do you sound convincing?

In Judaism, words are like bullets. They hit their target- or miss- depending on how well you aim. Our speech reveals what we truly think. The balance between body and soul is often reflected in our tone and word choice.

Turn Speech into Action

Speech externalizes thoughts. When we say something aloud, it becomes real- as if we’re carving it in stone. Try expressing a complex issue that’s troubling you. Just by talking about it, you may realize your thinking is unclear, or flawed. This is one reason why during the silent Amidah prayer, we still move our lips, even though no sound is heard. To truly move yourself in the right direction, you need to talk to yourself effectively.

Rabbi Weinberg offers this inner dialogue as an example:

• “I’ll do the project later.”

• “I don’t believe you. Last time you said that, you never did it.”

• “But I was tired.”

• “No more excuses! Start now- or risk giving up on everything!”

He encourages everyone: Be a “nudnik” to yourself. Talk yourself into action. When you don’t feel like getting out of bed, say: “Come on, just swing your legs out. I promise it won’t hurt.”

When you’re in a bad mood, talk yourself out of it. Use your words to flip the emotional script. Tell yourself: “I’m going to clean my room right now.” Speak with conviction.

Never, ever call yourself degrading names. Don’t say: “I’m stupid,” “I’ll never get it,” “I’m a failure.” Those words will crush your confidence and block your potential. You can’t become great while beating yourself up with negativity.

Daily Pep Talks

To fully tap into the power of speech, give yourself daily pep talks. Say something like: “What a great day- so full of new opportunities! Life is amazing, and I’m alive! Today I’ll be happy and accomplish all the right and wise things. I will reach my goals!”

At the end of the day, before bed, say: “Tomorrow I’ll wake up with energy and joy,” or “Tomorrow I won’t lose my temper.” Be specific about what success looks like. Speak it, and you’ll move toward it.

Gratitude Out Loud

Verbalize your gratitude. It’s a proven way to boost happiness. Say things like:

• “Thank You, G-d, for giving me the intelligence to understand.”

• “Thank You for the food I eat.”

• “Thank You for the gift of life.”

Judaism emphasizes appreciating what we have, by saying blessings out loud for food, bodily functions, and blooming trees, so that we stay grounded in gratitude.

You might wonder: “What do I gain from all this talking?” You get to know yourself better. Only when you know what you want can you start moving toward it. If you don’t know what’s holding you back, you can’t overcome it, and if your strengths remain hidden, you won’t know how to use them.

Most people are willing to pay a fortune just to be heard. Therapy is often $200/hour just to speak. But you don’t always need someone else to listen- talk to yourself, and it’s free.

Turn Your Goal Into a Slogan

The advertising industry spends billions creating memorable slogans: “Just do it,” “Think different,” “Because you’re worth it.” Why? Because slogans are effective- they summarize your values and keep you focused. Judaism also has powerful slogans:

• “It’s a great mitzvah to be joyful!”

• “Thank G-d.”

• “This too is for the best.”

• “The whole world is a very narrow bridge…”

The most famous is the Shema: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One.” This is more than a prayer- it’s a declaration of life’s highest purpose.

Ask yourself, “Why do I live?” Answer it- and then turn it into a personal motto you’ll carry with you wherever you go.

Adapted and reworked from the book "48 Ways to Wisdom" by Rabbi Noah Weinberg.