Our words carry the power to build up life or to tear it down.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
What does “Power of the tongue” mean in Proverbs 18:21?
The proverb says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. It warns that those who love to talk will eat the fruit of what they say.
Going deeper
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. That is a strong statement. Words can wound deeply, and words can heal. A cruel remark can stay with someone for years, and an encouraging word can carry them through a hard season. The proverb also says we will live with the results of our own speech. What we plant with our words comes back to us as fruit.
This is a reason to speak slowly and choose carefully. Before you say something to a child, a spouse, a coworker, or a stranger online, ask whether it will bring life or death to that person. You can also decide to speak life on purpose. Tell someone what you appreciate about them. Speak hope to someone who is struggling. Ask God to guard your lips and to make your words a source of life today.
Reflect
Whom could you speak life to today, and what would you say?
Pray
Lord, guard my tongue. Let my words bring life and not harm, and help me to speak encouragement to those around me. In Jesus' name, amen.
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