Why is it important to "love it" according to Proverbs 18:21? Scripture Focus “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) Understanding “love it” • “Love” here means valuing, cherishing, and intentionally using the tongue—our words—with full awareness of their power. • The phrase is not a free pass to talk endlessly; it is a call to delight in speech that aligns with God’s truth, knowing it carries real consequences. Why Loving the Tongue Matters • Words create realities: God spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1). Made in His image, our words carry creative or destructive force. • Harvest principle: “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Loving the tongue means sowing life-giving words and reaping life-giving outcomes. • Accountability: “I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36-37) • Influence on others: “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Loving it guides us to speak healing, not harm. • Heart reveal: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Valuing the tongue presses us to guard the heart. Positive Ways to Love Your Tongue • Speak truth drenched in grace (Ephesians 4:29). • Bless, don’t curse (James 3:9-10). • Encourage daily (Hebrews 3:13). • Restrain when necessary—“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). • Declare the gospel; words of eternal life (Romans 10:14-17). Consequences of Neglect • Wounds: “Reckless words pierce like a sword” (Proverbs 12:18). • Destructive fire: “The tongue is a fire…setting the course of one’s life on fire” (James 3:5-6). • Broken relationships, lost witness, dishonor to God. Living the Verse Today • Pause before speaking; ask, “Will this bring life?” • Replace sarcasm and gossip with blessing and truth. • Memorize key verses to season your speech. • Invite trusted believers to hold you accountable for your words. To love the tongue is to treasure its God-given power, wield it for life, and enjoy the rich fruit—here and forever. |
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