7/7/13 Proverbs 18:21 The Power of Death and Life

 Proverbs 18:21 (NAS)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIVUS)

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

 

You may feel like you have no power, but God's word tells us that there is a power that every man, woman, and child has.  Therefore, you do have power and strength and that power lies in your tongue.  With your tongue and the words that you speak, you are able to bring life or death to any situation.
 
Through premeditated thought or in the heat of an argument, you can say things that could kill or slander a person's self image or dreams. You become an executioner, who takes away another's life and vitality, through accusations and lies.  This is a very unwise way to use the power that your tongue contains.
 
A much better use of your words is to bless others, speaking those things that are in alignment with God's word.  Words of blessing cause life to flow and bring freshness into those who hear.  Life-filled words allow others to receive all of the abundance and fulfillment that Adonai, the Almighty God, has planned for them.  It gives them the power to accomplish and complete their missions.
 
When you bless those you meet and those you care about, you add to their health and prosperity. You give them new hope and courage, so they do not faint through discouragement and despair.  They will be restored, revived, and preserved through your good words.
 
Soon you will find out that if you speak kind and loving words to others, that you will be nourished as well.  As you plant good seeds into your fellow men, your own life will become more fruitful and productive. You will be rewarded and blessed.

 

 (Originally written 10/10/05)