S) "21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit."
Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 18
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 18
O) It seems dubious to think that this proverb is talking about literal life and death. So, the first question then becomes, what is meant about death and life by this figure of speech? Many things can be said to die or live, and there are lots of expressions that show us that. "This will be the death of me!" is a fine example. Relationships can certainly live or die. So, realizing the fundamental role our words have in sustaining or destroying things, that is the point of this verse. The second line of this verse is also significant in its own way. Solomon said, "those who love it..." but didn't specify what "it" is. That actually seems intentional, though. If a man loves death, his words will reflect it, and many things in his life will die. If a man loves life, his words will reflect it, and many things in his life will live.
A) The Bible is full of passages, revealing the significance of our words, and this has always stood out as one of the most striking (along with Matthew 12:36). If I want a vibrant marriage, if I want relationships with my kids that thrive into adulthood, if I want my job to continue to be my livelihood, these are all things that are greatly impacted by the words I speak. Everyday I have opportunities to sabotage the things in my life that I value, but I also have opportunities to nourish them. So, I need to be intentional about my words. I need to carefully consider if my speech is nutritious or noxious. Are my words healing or hurting? If I really do love life, the way of life that God sets forth for me, then my words will continue to reflect that. With every redeemed life, God offers a place in His creation story. So, I need to take my role in His story seriously.
A) The Bible is full of passages, revealing the significance of our words, and this has always stood out as one of the most striking (along with Matthew 12:36). If I want a vibrant marriage, if I want relationships with my kids that thrive into adulthood, if I want my job to continue to be my livelihood, these are all things that are greatly impacted by the words I speak. Everyday I have opportunities to sabotage the things in my life that I value, but I also have opportunities to nourish them. So, I need to be intentional about my words. I need to carefully consider if my speech is nutritious or noxious. Are my words healing or hurting? If I really do love life, the way of life that God sets forth for me, then my words will continue to reflect that. With every redeemed life, God offers a place in His creation story. So, I need to take my role in His story seriously.
P) Father, Your name is great. Your lovingkindness and compassion go before me. Your grace and mercy precede all creation. You are holy and good, and I am humbled by the work You have done in my life, Lord. You have given me great blessings, not the least of which are my wife and children. I know they are the primary ministry that I will ever have. They are the most impacted by my words, or even my lack of words. God, I don't want to damage what You have given me. Forgive me for my careless speech, and discipline my tongue to speak life. I know that it is from the overflow of the heart, that the mouth speaks, and this verse foreshadows those words of Jesus, because if I love death, then my words will follow. So Lord, don't only discipline my tongue, but continue to change my heart to love life, as You teach me. I want to honor Your name with the life You have given me. Help me to leave my wife in a better condition than when You gave her to me. Help me to leave my kids in better conditions than when You gave them to me. May the words I speak be a testimony to others, about the transformative power of Your grace. Be glorified in my speech and in my life. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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