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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Introduction
The tongue is one of the smallest members of the body, yet it carries unimaginable power. With it, we bless and curse, build and destroy, encourage and wound. The Bible makes it clear that our words have the potential to shape destinies, influence hearts, and release either life or death.
1. The Tongue Has Creative Power
From the beginning, God demonstrated the creative power of words. He spoke the world into existence.
Genesis 1:3 — “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
You are made in His image (Genesis 1:26), and your words carry similar creative potential. You can speak hope, healing, joy, and victory—or fear, defeat, and despair.
Hebrews 11:3 — “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…”
2. Life and Death Are in the Tongue
Your words can either bring life to someone’s spirit or death to their dreams.
Proverbs 18:21 — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
Every word carries weight. Think about the encouragement you’ve received in life—it likely still resonates. Conversely, negative words can linger for years, causing lasting damage.
3. The Tongue Can Be a Fire
James gives a powerful description of the tongue’s potential for destruction when left uncontrolled.
James 3:5-6 — “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Gossip, slander, lies, and insults can burn relationships, families, churches, and communities. Words once spoken cannot be taken back.
4. Taming the Tongue Requires the Holy Spirit
Man alone cannot tame the tongue. It takes a surrendered life and the help of the Holy Spirit to speak with wisdom, love, and restraint.
James 3:8 — “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…”
5. Your Words Reveal Your Heart
Jesus taught that what comes out of your mouth reflects what is already in your heart.
Matthew 12:34 — “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
A transformed tongue starts with a transformed heart.
6. Use Your Tongue to Speak Life
Let your words bless, heal, and uplift. Speak truth, love, and encouragement.
Proverbs 15:1 — “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 16:24 — “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Conclusion
Your tongue holds the key to life, peace, and destiny. Use it to speak faith, declare God’s Word, comfort others, and glorify the Lord. Remember, you will give account for every careless word you speak (Matthew 12:36), so let your words align with God’s truth.
Prayer
Lord, set a guard over my lips. Help me to speak words that glorify You and edify others. Fill my heart with Your truth so my tongue may overflow with grace, wisdom, and life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
