Proverbs 18:20-21 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Those who speak life, words of encouragement, truth, and faith, will eat of that fruit and be blessed. Those who speak death, through deceit, slander, or rebellion, will reap destruction.
Five Biblical examples of death by the tongue: The ten spies (Num. 14:36-37). Their fearful and faithless report spread discouragement among the people of Israel, leading to rebellion and judgment. Their words led to death, not only for themselves but for an entire generation. Doeg the Edomite (1Sam. 22:9-10). Doeg’s malicious report to Saul resulted in the slaughter of 85 priests and the destruction of Nob, the city of the priests. His tongue became a weapon of mass death. Sennacherib (2Kin. 18:28-35; 19:22-35). Through arrogant speech, the Assyrian king defied the God of Israel. His blasphemy brought about divine judgment; 185,000 of his soldiers were slain by the angel of the Lord. The Ammonites (Ezek. 25:3-7). They mocked Israel with scornful words on the day of their calamity. God judged them for their speech, declaring that they too would fall and become a spoil to the nations. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:5-10). By lying to the Holy Spirit about the money they gave, this couple fell dead at the apostles’ feet. Their dishonest words brought instant judgment.
To be continued…
Living the Word 