Good morning people whose words literally release life into the atmosphere.

Proverbs 12:18 MEV There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health.

We’ve talked a lot about the effect of our words in our own lives. This is important. But it is equally important to consider the effect of our words in other people’s lives.

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword.

This is talking about words that cut and destroy and kill. This is talking about words that pull down. This is talking about words that are contrary to the heart, tone and nature of God. This is talking about words that are too often spoken.

This is talking about words that are heard by others, as well as words that are spoken in secret or to other people. Gossip, slander and malicious talking causes deep damage, even if these words are never heard by the person being spoken about. Our words matter because our words contain within them the power of life and death.

The tongue of the wise is health.

This is the alternative to the words that are like the piercings of a sword.

There is healing and life and courage and hope in the tongue of the wise. There is destiny and purpose released through the lips of those who carry the heart of God. There is restoration and redemption and healing contained in the words of the wise.

Whether spoken directly to a person, spoken to others about a person, or spoken to God on behalf of a person, wise people release health through the careful words that they choose to speak. We always have more power in our tongue than we are aware of.

Is the fruit of your tongue heathly or damaging?

May our words always reflect the God of grace and truth.