Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 18:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
God is the creator of every living thing, He spoke the world into existence. We were made in God’s image and in His likeness. God is a Spirit and we too are spiritual beings. Therefore the words we are speaking have creative ability. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Perhaps we should examine our words to see if they are bring forth life or death.
In today’s passage, we get a snapshot of the power that is released in our words. The fruit of our lips is bringing a harvest of good things or bad things. It is sobering to think about how loose lips are sinking our ships. We must confess that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead to become a believer. It is with the heart that a man believes, but it is with his mouth that he receives salvation. It is by our own words that we are justified or condemned. Confession is good for the soul, and even for healing in our bodies. Speaking life-giving words keeps our faith alive.
Also, when we are trusting God for financial breakthroughs, our words should reflect our prayers. Quite frankly, for most of us, if we change our words we could very well change our lives.
The tongue also has the power to build up or tear down the relationships we have with family and friends. It is important to watch our words when we speak to other people. Remember that a soft answer turns away wrath. Gracious words can heal the heart and grievous words can break the spirit. Our words should always been seasoned with grace, that is God’s righteousness at Christ’s expense.
Katrina Deason is the senior pastor of Liberty Prayer Chapel, the executive director of The Liberty County Manna House, the morning radio personality for Gospel 94.9FM, and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.