“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
Today we are reminded of the power of our words. Words and speech are one of the main themes in Proverbs. In Proverbs words can wound, kill, destroy, bring pain, cause suffering, and tear down people and institutions of society. However, they can also heal, create, strengthen, build up, bring joy, cause peace, and give life to people and society. James warns us of the power of the tongue to destroy and to bless. (James 1:1-12)
Given the power of our words we are reminded today that we will eat the fruit of our own tongues whether for good or evil. It is an admonition to take care and think about what we are going to say to people. It is one of the reasons I do not care much for some social media platforms because the way they function seems to encourage the opposite in us. Proverbs 18:2 says, “The fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” We are a nation of fools.
In Ephesians 4:29 we are commanded to not let any corrupt word proceed out of our mouths but to always endeavor to speak words that will edify and give grace to those who hear us. This is the work of the wise. Jesus warns that we will have to give an account to God in the day of judgment for every idle word which we speak. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36
We must learn to take the time to think about our words before we speak them. May God bless us with sound speech that cannot be condemned!
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn
Photo by Xavi Cabrera