Proverbs 18...Tongue of Death

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Prov. 18:21)

The wise men is telling us here that our tongue can be a force for good or evil, death or life, destruction or blessing. If we are careful and use our tongue to bless others, we will reap many wonderful rewards in this life, but if we are careless and use our tongue to hurt others, we will reap discord and destruction. That's the way I understand this verse.

The reason I chose this verse above all the others in chapter eighteen is that there is much in this chapter about the tongue. Let's notice the following verses...

"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." (vv. 4)

In other words, the wisdom which flows from the mouth of the wise is unending.

"A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul." (vv. 6-7)

Have you ever known someone whose mouth always got him/her in trouble? That's what Solomon is addressing here. Some people refuse to control their tongue and as a result they offend others, make others angry, and stir up all kinds of controversy.

"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body." (vv. 8)

A whisperer is someone who gossips. Gossip always tastes good at the time, doesn't it. We always want to hear those "juicy details" at the time; we yearn to hear them, but afterwards they go down into the inner part of the body and wreak havoc. So resist gossip!

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." (vv. 13)

We looked at this point not long ago. It is vital that you hear the whole story before you open your mouth. Be swift to hear and slow to speak (Jas. 1:19).

"From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips." (vv. 20)

This is a great way to conclude our brief study. While your tongue can be a force for death or life, make the choice to use it to promote life. That way, your stomach can be satisfied by the yield of your lips. Life is so much easier when you learn to control your tongue.