April 30, 2023
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NRSV)
Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and wondered what it meant or how it is to be interpreted? One of those Scriptures in which I asked that question was Proverbs 18:21a “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Years ago, in a hermeneutics class, I learned that “context” was king and the importance of correct biblical interpretation and its application in our daily lives. I also learned to do word studies which I continue to love to this day.
Would you agree that our words do have enormous power? Words have the power to inspire and motivate, to comfort and console, to educate and enlighten, and even to heal. The power of our words can actually tear down one’s spirit; even stir up hate and violent behavior! They can be used to spread division, bully and intimidate, and sow discord and conflict, or they can create encouraging and positive change, bring people together, and make the world a better place.
Let’s look at the word “tongue.” In Scripture “the tongue” is used both literally and metaphorically, especially in Psalms, Proverbs, and James. The tongue is often a reference to the spoken word. This is a special kind of figure of speech called metonymy, in which one word stands in for another, closely related word. A common example of metonymy is seen in this sentence: “The White House issued a statement.” Of course, the White House, as a building, cannot issue statements; however, in this instance, the White House refers to the President, who lives there. Or the Crown” to refer to the monarch. Another example is in Proverbs 15:4, In the same way, when it states, “A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Clearly, a literal, fleshly tongue cannot crush the human spirit, but the words the tongue produces can.
Over the years of working in the various fields of nursing, and my work in counseling, I have come to observe more closely spoken words and how closely they relate to emotional, spiritual, and even physical, responses. The tongue about 10 cm in size and weighs on an average of 2-3 pounds is the most potent weapon in this world. It can give advice that can change the trajectory of one’s life detouring them from dangerous turns to lifesaving turns.
Equally important, our emotions are powerful, causing us to be vulnerable to injury. James in chapter 3 verse 6 describes the tongue as “a fire” and who has not been burned by it? Proverbs 15:4 describes a “healing” tongue as “a tree of life.” As much as love is an action, what would romance be without words? Encouragement often comes through spoken words. So does discouragement. Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that “Reckless words pierce like a sword” The wound is emotional, and it is deep. We must admit what we say can have a profound effect on others.
Spiritually, our tongue produces eternal implications because it reveals what is in our hearts. In Matthew 12:35, Jesus said that “the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” Matthew 12:36, says “Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” Our tongue must be under the control of the Holy Spirit’s power. James 3:8 reminds us that in and of ourselves, we are utterly unable to “tame the tongue” because “it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Apart from accepting Jesus’ atonement on the cross, we will be judged according to our words! “For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned” Matthew 12:37.
The Bible has many references to the power of words and their impact on our lives.
Here are a few examples:
1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse emphasizes the importance of the words we speak, as they can either bring life or death to ourselves and others.
2. James 3:5-6 – “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This passage warns us of how destructive the power of the tongue has and the need to be controlled.
3. Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” The Apostle encourages us to use our words wisely, to speak graciously and with kindness, and to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others. Our speech should always be with grace, and seasoned with salt.
So, we can basically say that Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” says that our words have the power to bring either life or death. Your tongue can be used to give out the gospel which gives life ~ eternal life or bring death by driving people away from God, which makes it an instrument of death. The Bible has much to say about the tongue, and we find a lot about it in the Book of Proverbs. Again, our words have the ability to influence the outcome of circumstances, and situations – to either encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down, to heal or to hurt. The context of this verse is about the importance of wise speech. Also, the book of Proverbs often emphasizes the importance of choosing one’s words carefully and speaking with wisdom. The power of the tongue is a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs, and this particular verse highlights the importance of using our words for good.
In essence, this verse is a reminder that we should be mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have. Our words can bring life and hope, or they can bring destruction and despair. It is up to us to use our words in ways that honor God and bring good to those around us.
A CONTROLLED 
HEART: In summary, God made us expressive beings, so we are nearly lost without communication. He has allowed inventions of various ways we can communicate. We have visual and audio recordings, braille for the blind, sign language for the deaf, and various methods of writing for communication. Consequently, Psalm 34:13 reminds us that we are commanded to control the tongue, to “keep it from evil and your lips from speaking lies” A Christian’s speech should consistently honor the Lord ~ with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we lie and curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for providing us with Your Word which gives us clear instructions on how to live and behave as Your children. Help us always to speak the truth in love, seasoned with salt, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!