Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
The thing about fruit is that it doesn’t grow overnight. Any plant that yields a flower, vegetable, or fruit, takes time to yield the fruit. Whether the fruit is good or rotten. This metaphor, comparing what the tongue says to what is grown from planting is powerful. In our words towards our spouse and kids, over time we plant and water one of two kinds of fruits. We are planting life in our relationships or death. The power of our words goes right to our loved ones’ hearts and minds. It can cause hardness to the things of the Lord or it can cause them to want to draw near.
James 3:5b says, “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” A small fire can grow out of control quickly. When a fire is ablaze, not only are the flames destroying what they touch, but often smoke causes just as much damage. Our words towards others are the same way. Even if we are only talking to one person, often our words are heard or shared with others, and the damage is done. May our words bring life!
ACTION STEPS with your kids: Read Proverbs 18:21 together. Commit to memorizing it as a family. Pray together and ask the Lord to help the words that you speak to one another bring life, not death.
