Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Is there really power in your words? Are they not simply sounds caused by air passing through your larynx? Do you ever think of the words you speak and the power they carry? Words do more than convey information. They have real power.
Notice that today’s verse speaks of “the power of the tongue”. It is obvious that the power referred to here is not the physical power of the tongue as a muscle, but the power of the words it produces. Words are a powerful force and the powerful effects of negative words cannot be underestimated. Sadly, many have been victims of verbal abuse. Words are weighty, powerful influencers. What will come out of your mouth today: death or life?
The tongue, even though it is among the smallest of all the members of the body can do much damage. That’s why Paul said to distances yourself from all corrupt communication.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
James advised us to be “slow to speak”:
Let everyone be quick to hear (be a careful, thoughtful listener), slow to speak (a speaker of carefully chosen words and), slow to anger (patient, reflective, forgiving). James 1:19 (AMP)
Are you a speaker of carefully chosen words? Proverbs 13:3 tells us to guard our words.
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (ESV)
Another proverb adds:
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 (ESV)
Still another praises the beneficial aspects of the tongue:
A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11 (AMPC)
Proverbs 15:4 advises:
A gentle tongue (with its healing power) is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 (AMPC)
Today, you can choose to make your mouth “a fountain of life”. You can allow your words to bring healing. Your words can bring life to the weary. Determine to set an example in your speech. Allow your words to make a difference.