Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:21

by David Chadwick

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Proverbs 18:21

Did you know that our words are powerful? The Bible says the tongue is a small, yet powerful, part of the body and that we should keep a tight rein on it. It is powerful enough to even corrupt the whole body and set the whole course of one’s life on fire (James 3:1-12).

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Death and life are certainly two extremes. It should sober all of us that something as small as the tongue in our mouths has the ability to bring about two diametrically different end results.

Solomon knew the importance of words and regularly addressed the significance of the tongue, including the power and the danger of our words.

In today’s proverb, Solomon was emphasizing that words can either lift up or tear down. They can either drive toward despair or give eternal hope. They can cause lifelong scars or they can bind broken hearts. They can push toward depression or lift weary souls. They can win or lose games in sports or success in business. They truly do bring either death or life.

As my mom used to say, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.”

We all must learn the power of the tongue and use it to speak life and to encourage others… especially to the next generation. Children desperately need to hear words of life from their parents, teachers, coaches, and other leaders. They are so eager to be encouraged and edified. They want to hear that you are proud of them.

When we ingest food, it enters into our bodies and affects it. The same is true with words. Whether it’s words we speak or hear, and whether good or bad, we internalize words and reap the effects of whatever we ingest. And sometimes they go deep within us and rummage around for a lifetime.

So how should you apply this truth to your everyday life? First, guard your words. Be aware of what you are saying and use discretion. Secondly, speak positive words. Use your words to give life and motivate you and others. After all, death and life are in the power of the tongue.