The Power of the Tongue
Proverbs 18:20, 21
20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Being around people a good portion of my life and daily work, there is a common thread among some. That thread is for them to always fall on the negative side of thought and speech just about every time a controversial subject comes up. Others will try to admonish them, shining light and encouragement on what is going on, yet inevitably the stubborn side of their brain has been exercised and rooted in negativism for so long, it won’t easier change course. Where is God in all of this? What about the myriad of sermons, teachings, Bible studies and personal Scripture reading they have sat under and experienced? What about all the miraculous answers to prayer, words of direction from the Holy Spirit and the precious presence of the Lord experienced in their lives? What about thinking and speaking out the faithfulness of God, the great care and compassion of God, the all-knowing of our God and the everywhere presence of God? Do they remember that He is all powerful? Maybe it takes more energy and effort to speak life rather than death. Proverbs 12:14 tells us “A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.” It drives me crazy when something happens and there’s always someone that has to rant on about it, telling you every negative aspect from decades ago up through time about what should have happened and didn’t, as if everyone else didn’t already know this information. In the meantime, positive, fruitful discussion cannot not begin until the ranters have spewed their poison all over the rest of us. I often think to myself when I’m caught in this situation and they have finally finished the rant, “I’m glad that is finally over.” Proverbs 13:2, 3 says, “2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. 3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life. But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. In spewing out negativity and fear, does it give people an adrenaline rush? Is that what it’s all about? And God help us if there are two or more that talk it all up together! It feels like they will never end as they try to outdo each other’s bad report! God forgive us and help us to speak words of life, hope, and love. Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Cleanse us, Lord and rewire our brains and mouths to speak life and not death, hope and not despair. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my strength and my Redeemer.”
What about you? What is your speech like? Are you hopeful, prayerful, kind and gentle, or are you negative and all doom and gloom? Pay attention to your speech today. Be a person of faith in God and not a naysayer. Have a great day in the Lord.
