Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.  –Proverbs 18:21

Everyone carries a vital and a lethal weapon. Words change people. They encourage, inspire, correct, inform and compel. They also humiliate, tear down, hurt and destroy.

Some people are ignorant of the effects of their words. They speak death and then say, “Was it something I said?” The critical spirit is often critical of everything but itself. Part of growing in wisdom is understanding what words accomplish, and taking responsibility for what is said.

Solomon’s application is wonderful. Some might shrink back from the power of words and go mum. But those who love the Word and the way He made the world love this feature. Life is in the power of the tongue, which means we have the power to give life, and to put to death evil and accusatory words. Those who love it will eat it fruits. They will give life and taste that same life as they do so.