Is Death and Life in the Tongue?
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
– Proverbs 18:21
The Power of Words
Words possess an incredible amount of power. In the beginning of creation, God’s words brought everything into existence. He spoke, and light appeared; the sky was formed; dry land emerged; plants sprang up; the sun, moon, and stars were positioned; fish and birds emerged; and animal life was established. Although our spoken words cannot create physical life, they do influence the trajectory of our spiritual lives, either positively or negatively. Words possess the power to either build up or tear down; they can heal or destroy; they can give life or bring death; they can bring encouragement, hope, and joy, or they can bring discouragement, despair, and pain. The Bible teaches us that we should not allow any corrupt communication to proceed out of our mouths. The words we speak should be edifying and bring grace to whoever hears them. (Ephesians 4:29).
A foolish person doesn’t consider the impact of their words; they speak without thinking. Proverbs 18:20 says that a person’s words can either bring good or bad consequences. Therefore, we must be wise and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance before we speak. Let us have the mindset of Christ and surrender our thoughts to Him. Before we speak, we should ask ourselves if our words will bring life or death.
The Power and Danger of the Tongue
Our tongue, although small in comparison to the rest of our body, has the power to control the direction of our lives. In the book of James, we read that “If any man does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to control the whole body.” Essentially, this tells us that we need to control our tongue first, and our actions will follow suit. We are then given the example of how a small bit in a horse’s mouth controls their whole body, depending on which way it is being pulled. The same example is given, but it refers to the rudder on a ship. Although small compared to the overall size of the ship, it controls the direction of the whole ship. Later in that same chapter, we read “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life.”
Indeed, no man can completely tame his tongue, for it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. At times we use it to bless others, and other times we use it to curse others. The key is to recognize that the words we speak influence future outcomes. Choose words wisely; for whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
A Reflection of Our Heart
The Bible teaches us that our words are a representation of what lies in our hearts. In Luke 6:45, Jesus states “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.” Therefore, our words are a reflection of our true character and the condition of our hearts. If we desire to speak uplifting words, we must first nurture a heart that is filled with love, kindness, and compassion. When our hearts are aligned with goodness, our words will naturally reflect that. These qualities overflow in us when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Importance of Using Words for Good
As believers, we must be aware of the power our words hold. They have the ability to bring grace, encouragement, and hope to those around us, and can be a source of comfort and strength in times of need. By using our words to build up and edify others, we can make a positive impact on their lives. Furthermore, our words can also serve as a witness to our faith. When we speak with love, kindness, and integrity, we reflect the character of Christ and draw others closer to Him. Our words can be a powerful tool for sharing the love of God with those around us, and for being a light in the darkness.
Death and Life in the Tongue Conclusion:
The power of words is undeniable. The Bible confirms that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words shape our lives and the lives of those around us. By recognizing the significance of our words and the impact they can have, allows us to use them wisely; speaking life, love, and encouragement into the world. Controlling our tongue is a lifelong journey. With God’s help and guidance, we can learn to harness the power of our words for good. Let us be mindful of the words we speak, always seeking to bring life, healing, and hope to those who hear them.
