There are physical hazards everywhere: at home, work, and play. And proper signage helps us to avoid pitfalls and injury. CAUTION, DANGER, BEWARE, and WARNING are words of notice. These words alert us to unsafe conditions like falling, poisoning, drowning, etc.
Likewise, God’s word alerts us to spiritual pitfalls and perils. We never want to put ourselves or anyone else in harm’s way. Proverbs 18:21 is a death and life notice that everyone should read, understand, and heed.
The verse states “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (KJV).”
To avoid DEATH and achieve LIFE, we must cautiously choose our words and conversations. Our words preserve or destroy life. Hateful and vile words are not of God. These words breed death. Loving and caring words breed life. Therefore, we must mind what we say to ourselves and others. Proverbs 18:21 states our spiritual accountability and responsibility.
We can’t say any and everything and be blameless. Words have consequences.
People say action speaks louder than words. But words are powerful and have consequences similar to actions.
What caution signs or notices would you create for Proverbs 18:21?
WATCH YOUR TONGUE. SAY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. WORDS CAN KILL. SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE. Go ahead, create a few more.
Where would you post these signs?
In your personal space at work is a must. You and I know, someone is bound to get on your last nerve.
Yes, your bathroom would be a good place.
Sometimes my bathroom is a sanctuary. It’s a space for me to cool down before my tongue breaks loose. Flying off the handle and telling someone off isn’t Christ-like. The tit-for-tat name-calling and insults are the worse.
The car is another ideal posting place.
Of all the places to quarrel, this one is the pits. There’s no escape, no sanctuary. Hold your tongue and pray.
Holding your tongue is more than a challenge. It’s a battle. Sometimes you win. And sometimes you lose. For no man has tamed the tongue.
But more importantly than having posted notices, Proverbs 18:21 should be in our hearts. If we want others to speak words of life to us, we must speak them also.
Remember you’re only responsible for YOUR words.
There’s no denying the tongue has power. WORDS MATTER.
Words like “ I love you,” “You can do it,” and “I’m praying for you” renew the spirit. But degrading, abusive words make us feel small, insignificant, or worthless. Verbal abuse breaks up marriages and friendships. Words also start wars.
There’s a reason the tongue is gated or enclosed in our mouths behind the teeth. An unbridled or loose tongue is dangerous to the owner and others. The slithery sinful member is as poisonous as a serpent.
The tongue speaks blessings, hope, and truth.
But it also utters discouragement, curses, and lies.
Do you always use your tongue to encourage others and to glorify God?
I must confess. My answer is NO—not always. Sometimes the devil tricks and trips me up.
Although we’re not perfect, we’re still responsible.
Yes, we make mistakes and say the wrong things. But we don’t practice hurting others.
Don’t you find that people who have the most to say about any and everything are criticizers? And they don’t care who their words hurt. They find the itsy bitsy, minute things to dissect and criticize about others. But they’re not doing any better themselves. They’re too busy hating, tearing down, and trashing somebody.
When someone questions whether words can wound or kill, all they have to do is read today’s headlines about youth and adult bullies and their victims.
Don’t be a sponge for criticism. Don’t believe the hurtful things others say about and to you. “You will never be anybody.” “You’re ugly.” “You’re an idiot.”
Internalizing negative views of yourself is detrimental to your physical health and spirit.
And what about abusive self-talk?
Self-deprecation wilts the spirit, kills the dream and dreamer.
Do you think, speak or label yourself in defaming terms?
“Dummy” because you make mistakes. “Fatso” because you can’t lose weight. “Looser” because you didn’t get the job you wanted.
Know that you are sabotaging and destroying the life that God has for you. God’s wants and will help you to be your best.
A self-demeaning tongue kills your self-confidence, hope in God and belief in the peace and joy of living.
Make sure your self-talk and your words about and to others are words of life.
Now, the question is how can we control our tongue?
Only the Holy Spirit can constrain or tame the tongue.
We as believers should listen to the Holy Spirit and obey His voice.
SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE TO OTHERS AND TO YOUR SOUL!
And if you trip up, God is ready to forgive you.