THE TONGUE: Sowing Seeds of Death or Life
Scripture focus:
Proverbs 18:21 — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Few verses in the Bible are as startling and sobering as Proverbs 18:21. In just a handful of words, the author of Proverbs presents a profound truth: our words hold immense power—so much so that they are capable of either giving life or dealing death. This short verse captures one of the most consequential aspects of human existence: the ethical and spiritual responsibility bound up in our speech.
Words as Weapons or Balm
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Not metaphorically, not symbolically—in the power. This is no small claim. It suggests that the tongue, though one of the smallest members of the body, possesses an outsized influence. Consider how a single comment can shatter a person’s spirit, end a relationship, or destroy a reputation. Conversely, think about how a word of encouragement, truth, or forgiveness can transform someone’s day—or even their life.
This verse challenges the idea that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” In fact, Scripture asserts the opposite. Words do hurt. They have the power to kill dreams, assassinate character, or even incite violence. But just as importantly, they also carry the ability to mend, to reconcile, to inspire, and to bless.
The Hidden Fruit of Speech
The second part of the verse—“those who love it will eat its fruits”—adds another layer of reflection. It suggests that those who are talkative, or who take pleasure in using words, will inevitably reap the consequences of their speech. Whether those consequences are nourishing or poisonous depends entirely on how the tongue is used.
This “fruit” metaphor connects speech to a natural law of sowing and reaping. Just as a farmer plants seeds expecting a harvest, our daily use of language plants seeds in the hearts of others—and in our own souls. If our words are often sharp, manipulative, deceitful, or careless, the relational and spiritual fruit will reflect that. Conversely, if we speak truth in love, if we uplift and encourage, we will likely enjoy the fruits of deeper trust, peace, and mutual growth.
The Moral Imperative of Speech
In a world where speech is increasingly cheapened—by social media, political vitriol, and 24/7 commentary—Proverbs 18:21 strikes like lightning. It reorients us to the ancient truth that words are never neutral. Every sentence we speak, write, or type participates in either the work of life or the work of death. There is no middle ground.
Yahushua echoed this principle in Matthew 12:36 when He warned that people will give account for every careless word they speak. James also builds on it, likening the tongue to a spark that can set a forest ablaze (James 3:5–6). The Bible consistently presents speech not as a minor behavior, but as a major battleground of spiritual character.
Living the Verse
If we truly believe Proverbs 18:21, we must begin practicing “holy speech.” This doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths or living in artificial politeness. Rather, it involves cultivating awareness: Are my words building others up? Am I speaking truth with love, or am I indulging in gossip, sarcasm, or cruelty? Am I feeding death or nurturing life?
Imagine what communities, families, workplaces, and even churches would look like if every person took this verse seriously. If we used words like a gardener uses water—carefully, generously, and purposefully to foster growth—the impact could be revolutionary.
Conclusion
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” With every word, we create a ripple effect in the world around us. Proverbs 18:21 is not merely a warning; it is also an invitation. It calls us to speak with intention, to steward our speech with wisdom, and to use our voices to echo the God who spoke the world into being—not to destroy, but to give life.
Let us speak, then, as those who know our words matter. Because they do. Eternally so.
Shalom!
