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"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit."
(Proverbs 18:21)
Solomon teaches us that words have great power. Think about it: death and life. That is profound. I am a person of words. Words of affirmation are a big deal to me. I appreciate them when I receive them and also try to speak words of blessing over others.
The song "Words" by the band Hawk Nelson summarizes well the primary message I am seeking to communicate on the power of the words we speak to each other, especially in our families:
"They've made me feel like a prisoner. They've made me feel set free. They've made me feel like a criminal, made me feel like a king. They've lifted my heart to places I'd never been. And they've dragged me down back to where I began. Words can build you up. Words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out. Let my words be life. Let my words be truth."
Irreparable damage or everlasting good transpire in homes, businesses, churches, neighborhoods, and ball fields by the dialogues we have with one another. Jesus said in Luke 6:45, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." What a profound statement by Jesus. The words we speak reveal the condition of our hearts. This is so true and convicting.
The Book of Proverbs addresses the use and power of words. We will look in this week's devotions at both the curse of words and the blessing of words. I want to help you realize that you must carefully choose your words, because what you say has the power to curse or bless someone. It is an incredible power that can be harnessed for good or used for evil. I hope you will take what you learn and put it into practice in a good way by taking the opportunity to speak words of blessing into the lives of the people who matter most: family and friends. I also hope that you will take some time to affirm and build up those you meet with daily.
There are two outcomes of the words we use. I know a lot of what we say is guided by how we say it, and that is important to note. However, Solomon says we either build up and give life or tear down and bring death with the very words that we speak. Today, let us not let any unwholesome words proceed from our lips; rather, let us seek to build up others and not tear them down. Let us speak life and not death, blessings and not curses. Let polemical, harsh speech be a thing of the past for us. Let us not gossip and engage in hurtful speech, but let us encourage and speak the truth in love.
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