Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue
Proverbs 18:21
By Rev. Frederick Demetrius Ragston
The tongue, though a small part of the body, holds immense power. Proverbs 18:21 declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This profound scripture highlights the incredible influence our words have over our lives and the lives of others.
Life and death are not merely physical states but can also be spiritual and emotional conditions shaped by our speech. Words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound, to encourage or to discourage. Every word we speak carries weight and can manifest consequences that ripple through our lives and the lives of those around us.
When we speak words of life—words filled with love, encouragement, truth, and faith—we nurture growth, hope, and healing. Positive and uplifting speech can inspire change, restore relationships, and bring peace to troubled hearts. Conversely, careless or harsh words can bring destruction, sow discord, and deepen wounds.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be mindful stewards of our speech. The tongue, though small, can be a powerful instrument for God’s glory when used wisely. Rev. Frederick Demetrius Ragston often emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with God’s Word, understanding that our speech reflects the condition of our hearts.
In practical terms, this means choosing words that reflect life, truth, and love. It means speaking blessings over our families, communities, and ourselves. It means refraining from gossip, slander, and negativity that bring death.
In conclusion, Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the power to give life or death rests in our tongues. Let us commit to speaking words that build up, encourage, and bring life, knowing that through our speech, we have the power to shape destinies and glorify God.
May we always remember that our words are seeds sown into the lives of others—let us sow seeds of life.
