Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. New Living Translation The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. English Standard Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Berean Standard Bible Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. King James Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. New King James Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. New American Standard Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. NASB 1995 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. NASB 1977 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Legacy Standard Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Amplified Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Christian Standard Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Holman Christian Standard Bible Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. American Standard Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Contemporary English Version Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say. English Revised Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. GOD'S WORD® Translation The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words. Good News Translation What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. International Standard Version The power of the tongue is life and death— those who love to talk will eat what it produces. NET Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit. New Heart English Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. Webster's Bible Translation Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLife and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. World English Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionDeath and life [are] in the power of the tongue, "" And those loving it eat its fruit. Young's Literal Translation Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit. Smith's Literal Translation Death and life in the hand of the tongue: and they loving it shall eat its fruit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof. Catholic Public Domain Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Whoever values it shall eat from its fruits. New American Bible Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who choose one shall eat its fruit. New Revised Standard Version Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDeath and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it shall eat the fruits thereof. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and he that loves it will eat from its fruit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof. Brenton Septuagint Translation Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Selfishness of the Unfriendly…20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.… Cross References James 3:5-10 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ... Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Psalm 34:12-13 Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? / Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Treasury of Scripture Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. death Proverbs 18:4-7 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook… Proverbs 10:20,21,31 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth… Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. and Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself… Isaiah 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. Jump to Previous Dear Death Eat Food Fruit Fruits Indulge Life Power Thereof TongueJump to Next Dear Death Eat Food Fruit Fruits Indulge Life Power Thereof TongueProverbs 18 1. A fool delights not in understandingLife and death are in the power of the tongue This phrase emphasizes the profound impact of words. Biblically, the tongue is often seen as a powerful tool that can either build up or destroy. In James 3:5-6, the tongue is compared to a small fire that can set a forest ablaze, highlighting its potential for both good and harm. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on spoken words, as oral communication was the primary means of conveying laws, traditions, and teachings. The power of the tongue is also evident in the creation narrative, where God speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1). This underscores the belief that words have creative and destructive power, reflecting the divine attribute of speech. and those who love it will eat its fruit Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are reflected throughout the book of Proverbs. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where oral communication was a primary means of teaching and influencing others. 3. The Tongue While not a person or place, the "tongue" is personified in this verse as having the power to influence life and death, emphasizing the significance of speech in human interactions. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the ability to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify and encourage others, reflecting the love of Christ. Accountability for Our Speech We will be held accountable for our words. It is crucial to be mindful of what we say, ensuring that our speech aligns with biblical principles and glorifies God. Cultivating a Heart of Wisdom The words we speak are a reflection of our hearts. By seeking wisdom and understanding from God, we can cultivate a heart that produces life-giving words. The Consequences of Speech Our words can have lasting impacts, both positive and negative. We must consider the potential consequences of our speech and strive to speak life into every situation. Loving the Right Fruit Those who "love" the power of the tongue will "eat its fruit." We should desire the fruit of righteousness and peace, which comes from speaking truth and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:21?2. How can we apply "life and death are in the power of the tongue"? 3. What practical steps help us speak life-giving words daily? 4. How does Proverbs 18:21 connect with James 3:5-10 about controlling the tongue? 5. Why is it important to "love it" according to Proverbs 18:21? 6. How can our words reflect Christ's teachings in everyday conversations? 7. How does Proverbs 18:21 emphasize the power of words in shaping reality and destiny? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 18:21? 9. How does Proverbs 18:21 align with the broader themes of wisdom literature in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18? 11. Proverbs 18:21: If words carry the power of life and death, where is the scientific basis for speech causing literal life or death? 12. What does "speak life" mean? 13. What does the prosperity gospel teach? 14. What is the Bible's stance on hate speech? What Does Proverbs 18:21 Mean Life and death“Life and death are in the power of the tongue …” (Proverbs 18:21) - Scripture treats “life” and “death” as more than mere metaphors; they encompass physical wellbeing (Proverbs 12:18) and spiritual destiny (John 6:63). - Words can breathe life: encouragement, truth, praise, and gospel proclamation (Ephesians 4:29; Romans 10:14). - Words can deal death: deceit, slander, and discouragement that crush spirit and reputation (Proverbs 15:4; James 3:9-10). - Just as Deuteronomy 30:19 sets before Israel the choice of life or death, this proverb reminds believers that daily speech participates in that same moral gravity. are in the power of the tongue - Though a small member, the tongue “boasts great things” and can set “the course of one’s life on fire” (James 3:5-6). - Power here is immediate and far-reaching: • It can turn away wrath or stir it up (Proverbs 15:1). • It can heal relationships or rupture them (Proverbs 16:28; Matthew 5:23-24). • It can confess Christ unto salvation or deny Him to peril (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33). - The proverb affirms that every believer wields real authority with speech, accountable before the God who spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1; Matthew 12:36-37). and those who love it - “Love” implies delighting in talking, recognizing its influence, and choosing to use it often. - People who treasure godly speech cultivate it intentionally (Psalm 19:14; Colossians 4:6). - Conversely, those who relish gossip or careless chatter reveal a heart problem (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 10:19). - The proverb signals that devotion to words—whether wise or foolish—sets a trajectory that cannot be avoided. will eat its fruit - Words are seeds; their harvest returns to the speaker (Proverbs 12:14, “From the fruit of his mouth a man is filled with good”). - Positive fruit: • Peaceful relationships (Proverbs 16:24). • Moral credibility and answered prayer (1 Peter 3:10-12). • Eternal reward as faithful witnesses (Daniel 12:3). - Negative fruit: • Broken trust, isolation (Proverbs 25:18-19). • Divine discipline (Acts 5:3-5). • Potential eternal separation for persistent unbelief and blasphemy (Revelation 21:8). - “Eating” underscores inevitability; no one escapes the consequences of his own words (Galatians 6:7-8). summary Proverbs 18:21 teaches that speech is never neutral. Every word spoken participates in the realm of life or death, wielding genuine power to build up or tear down. Those who embrace this truth—loving the tongue enough to govern it by God’s Word—will reap a harvest of blessing, while careless speakers will taste bitter fruit. The passage calls believers to steward their words with reverence, aligning them with the life-giving character and purposes of the Lord. (21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue.--See above on Proverbs 4:23, where much the same power is attributed to the heart as is here given to the tongue as being its exponent. (Comp. also Proverbs 12:13.)They that love it--i.e., to use it. Verse 21. - Death and life are in the power of the tongue; literally, in the hand of the tongue. The tongue, according as it is used, deals forth life or death; for speech is the picture of the mind (comp. Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 26:28). The vast importance of our words may be learned from James 3; and our blessed Lord says expressly (Matthew 12:36, etc.), "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Hence the gnome -Γλῶσσα τύχη γλῶσσα δαίμων intimating that the tongue is the real controller of man's destiny; and another - Λόγῳ διοικεῖται βροτῶν βίος μόνῳ . . . Hebrew Lifeוְ֭חַיִּים (wə·ḥay·yîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and death מָ֣וֶת (mā·weṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin are in the power בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the tongue, לָשׁ֑וֹן (lā·šō·wn) Noun - common singular Strong's 3956: The tongue and those who love [it] וְ֝אֹהֲבֶ֗יהָ (wə·’ō·hă·ḇe·hā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f will eat יֹאכַ֥ל (yō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat its fruit. פִּרְיָֽהּ׃ (pir·yāh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 6529: Fruit Links Proverbs 18:21 NIVProverbs 18:21 NLT Proverbs 18:21 ESV Proverbs 18:21 NASB Proverbs 18:21 KJV Proverbs 18:21 BibleApps.com Proverbs 18:21 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 18:21 Chinese Bible Proverbs 18:21 French Bible Proverbs 18:21 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power (Prov. 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