Key Verse: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
- Proverbs 18:21 KJV
The tongue, though small, holds immense influence over our lives and the lives of those around us. It can build up and tear down, heal and harm, encourage and discourage. The words we speak are not merely sounds; they carry weight and can shape the lives of others and ourselves. As Proverbs 18:21 above reminds us, the tongue holds the power of both death and life. This truth calls for careful attention to what we say, as our words reflect the condition of our hearts and have the ability to influence the world around us.
1. The Power to Build or Destroy
James 3:5-6 (KJV) says, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."
The tongue, though small in comparison to other parts of the body, can cause immense damage. Just as a small spark can ignite a raging fire, our words once spoken can spread quickly, causing destruction in relationships, communities, and even nations. Words spoken in anger, gossip, or deceit can lead to irreparable harm, yet the same tongue can be used to build up, to encourage, and to bring healing. Once words are released, they can not easily be retrieved after the harm is done.
2. Words That Reflect the Heart
In Matthew 12:34 (KJV), Jesus tells us, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
Our words reveal what is in our hearts. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, anger, or selfishness, our speech will reflect that. However, if we allow God's love, peace, and wisdom to fill our hearts, our words will reflect His nature. The condition of our hearts directly influences what comes out of our mouths, making it essential to guard our hearts through prayer and meditation on God's Word.
3. Words That Heal
Proverbs 12:18 (KJV) says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
While the tongue can wound deeply, it also has the power to heal. Kind words, encouragement, and comforting speech can lift someone who is broken-hearted or burdened. When we speak words of truth, grace, and love, we become instruments of healing. Let us seek to be people who speak words that bring life, not death; peace, not strife.
4. The Example of Christ
Jesus Himself is the perfect example of how to use words for good. In John 6:63 (KJV), He says, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Every word Jesus spoke was full of life and truth. Even when He corrected, rebuked, or taught, His words brought life and healing to those who listened. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His example, using our words to bring life, share truth, and extend grace.
Conclusion:
Today, let us commit to using our tongues for good. May our words be a reflection of God's love, bringing encouragement to those around us. Let us be slow to speak and quick to listen, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our speech. May we remember that every word we speak has the potential to either build up or tear down, and choose wisely how we use the power of our tongue.
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