“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Prov. 18:21)
We grow up hearing the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That saying is not true. Words CAN hurt us! To show how powerful our words are, the Bible says that both “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” See, it’s not always about WHAT you say, but HOW you say it that also matters.
FIRST—Are your words DESTRUCTIVE?
It first says our words can promote “Death.” Destructive words tear down. Paul said in (Eph. 4:29), “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” Destructive words are often said in anger. They seek to damage, discredit and destroy. We are NOT to use destructive words with others because that is “corrupt communication.”
SECOND—Are your words CONSTRUCTIVE?
Next, it says our words can promote “life.” Constructive words seek to edify the other person. The next part of (Eph. 4:29) says we are to speak words which are “..good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” It can be difficult when someone comes at you with harsh, angry, destructive words. That is why the Bible says our response to them should be soft, because “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
Today, think about the words you use, but especially HOW you respond to others. Seek to edify your spouse, your children, and your co-workers with words that “minister grace unto the hearers.”