Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

Wow, that’s a contrast.

Literally, death can come through your words.

Your words can eat through a person’s soul, confirming lies they might already believe.

Words can crush a person, crumpling them down to the floor.

They can create a rift, that without repair, grows over time.

Words can belittle.

Shame.

Or curse.

All of these bring death.

Maybe not immediate physical death, but emotional or spiritual damage, which becomes death if not removed.

But –

the Bible also says

Your words can produce life.

Literally, your words can breathe life into another’s soul.

Words of encouragement to a parched and thirsty soul.

Words of comfort to a soul distressed upon life’s cares.

Affirmation to bolster another’s mood.

Hope that things will be bright again soon.

Words from God, reminding others of His peace that passes all understanding.

Words that share God’s love through you.

All of these bring life.

They water the soul, allowing life to ooze into the very corners of one’s heart, mind, and soul.

Which will you allow to flow from you this day?

Whispers of life?

Or the shouts of death?

May we continue to ask God to fill us with Him, so the flowing from our hearts brings life to others.

Photos by Raphael Schaller, Markus Winkler, & Ryan ‘O’ Niel on Unsplash