Life and death are in the power of the tongue

.... And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 19:21). There was a saying when I was a child “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” It is a lie, gossip can rob a person of his or her reputation, a hurtful word spoken in anger can kill a relationship. On the other hand “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11),  in other words treasured as an exquisite piece of jewellery.  The prophetic word is for building up, comfort and encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:3). At a time of doubting my abilities at University, a teacher told me I was capable of the highest degree, and it motivated me to aim for it. I came to understand that the self doubt had come largely as a result of a critical tongue from a close relative.

The words we use on ourselves likewise have positive or negative influence.  We need to be aware that our enemy plants lies and thoughts into our hearts in the first person. “I can't do that,” or “I am a looser,” or “I would like to kill him.” The evil one then turns round and accuses you have having the thoughts. “What kind of person are you to think that way?” Accepting his thoughts as our own can lead us to the action he suggests. I am convinced that some child molestation comes this way. We need to counter these things with Scripture, “I can do all things thought Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), and we need to take ever negative thought and accusation captive  (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Though we must not confuse conviction with condemnation, we do need to hear the words that there is no condemnation to to those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1), and to hear too that it is Satan who is the accuser of the brethren, not the Lord.

Coming to the second stanza, “those who love it,” either love to talk, or love words as their tradecraft (i.e preachers).  The primary thrust however is negative, and  clearly means that we need to take responsibility for our words as well as our deeds. Indeed we “must give an account of every idle word” (Matthew 12:36).  As for those who love to talk, the scripture warns “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19). Likewise James admonishes us “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19). And even more sobering from the lips of Jesus "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).

Lord Jesus, You tell us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45), and these things are truly heart matters Lord. So let our speech be full of grace and seasoned with salt. And please give us Grace and wisdom to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life. And we will give You the glory in Your precious and lovely Name Amen