Words: Harvesting Life or Death
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 16, 2023
- 2 min read
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)
Our words hold extraordinary power—a power to shape destinies, build relationships, and even cause incredible harm to us and others. Our tongue possesses the ability to bring forth either life or death. The Word of God declares our words hold authority and carry the potential to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Just as God created the world through His spoken word, we too have been endowed with the power to create or destroy with our tongues. Our words can build up or tear down, inspire hope or create despair, bring healing or inflict wounds. They are instruments to express our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, and they reflect the condition of our hearts.
Much like a farmer sowing seeds into fertile soil, our words serve as seeds planted in the ground of our hearts. Whatever we repeatedly hear, we eventually speak, and whatever we repeatedly speak, we allow to be planted in our hearts and those words shape our lives and personality. Just as a farmer expects a harvest from the seeds he sows, we reap a harvest from the words we sow into our lives and the lives of others. To harness the power of our tongues for good, it is crucial to govern our mouths wisely.
• First, we must learn the art of discretion, knowing when to keep our mouths shut and refraining from thoughtless and damaging speech.
• Second, when we speak, our words should be purposeful, benefiting both ourselves and those who hear us.
• Third, choose words that build bridges of understanding and ignite faith in the hearts of others.
Practical Application
Pause and think before speaking. Take a moment to consider the impact your words may have on others and yourself. Ask yourself if your words will bring life or death, encouragement, or discouragement. By practicing intentional speech, we can cultivate a habit of speaking life-giving words that build up and inspire those around us.
