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. 

Three Biblical examples of life by the tongue: Esther (Est. 7-8). With wisdom and courage, Esther spoke before the king to intercede for her people. Her words brought deliverance and life to the Jewish nation. Paul (Acts 16:28-34). Paul’s timely words to the jailer, “Do thyself no harm”, not only saved the man’s life but led him and his household to salvation. Believers (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Pet. 3:10). Confession with the mouth, paired with faith in the heart, brings salvation. The believer who chooses to speak truth, avoid evil, and seek peace experiences life and blessing.

The tongue is a powerful instrument, capable of shaping destinies. What we say can either draw the favour of God or invoke judgment. Let your words be guided by truth, wisdom, and love, for in doing so, you will eat the sweet fruit of life.

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…

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. 

‘A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth…’ This proverb teaches that our words have a deep and lasting impact, not just outwardly, but inwardly. A person is nourished and fulfilled, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, by the words he speaks. Wise, truthful, and kind speech can bring satisfaction to the soul and open doors to opportunity, favour, and even prosperity. A man who answers with wisdom and speaks with discernment will often find success and contentment as a direct result of his words.

In essence, your speech becomes your harvest; what you sow with your tongue, you will eventually reap in your life.

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue…’ This verse reveals a sobering truth: the tongue is not a trivial instrument. It can build up or destroy, speak truth or lies, bless or curse. Words can heal, but they can also kill. Those who understand and respect the power of their words, who “love” the gift of speech, will experience the results of what they choose to speak. The fruit of the tongue can be sweet or bitter, depending on how it is used.

To be continued…