From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:20-21
Our mouths are powerful. The words we speak have the power to shape our situations, relationships, and futures. So why do we use them in such a careless manner? I think it’s because we don’t really recognize the fruit of what we’re saying.
In Proverbs 18, we see that we are satisfied by the products of our mouths. Satisfied can also be translated as filled up with. Our words have the ability to fill us up in a good way or, they can dramatically hinder us. Proverbs 1:31 (NLT) says, “Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.” We have a choice of good fruit or bitter fruit, but it depends on how we use our words.
Speaking life looks like words of encouragement, affirmation, gratitude, honor, and praise. So often we feel like we’re speaking life into situations but based on the fruit, we aren’t. The next time you’re having a conversation, think about the language you use. Are you being critical? Are you judging? Are you comparing? The fruit of those comments shows up in your life. Don’t be surprised if you speak harshly and reap ill feelings, or speak down at someone and reap rebellion, or spread gossip and reap discord. If your relationship with others, or even yourself, isn’t producing positive fruit in your life, look at the words being spoken.
There is power in the tongue; weld it wisely.
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