Proverbs 18:21

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit."

There is a heresy that teaches that words are "containers of power;" power to heal, to bring prosperity, wealth, blessing untold. This is exactly what Occultism has taught for centuries.

The truth is that words do have power, not to bring wealth and healing. That power belongs to God alone. Words have the power to encourage, or discourage; to build up or to tear down.

I have known men and women, scared for life, because of what a father or mother told them. Children are desperate to seek your approval. To berate them or humiliate them can have a lasting effect.

Jesus had some interesting things to say about words and behavior:

Matthew 18:6: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

There are some who love the tongue. They love to build up others, to be an encouragement, like Barnabas in the Book of Acts. And there are others, who like to tear others down with their words. Both these type of people will eat the fruit of their tongues.

Which fruit would you rather eat?