Thursday Proverb

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. -- Proverbs 18:21

We have seen that illustrated recently as people spoke as witnesses to an event and a man's life hung in the balance.  On the battlefield, combatants receive their orders and deal death accordingly.  Death rains from the sky by remote control on the words of someone in authority. 

In schools our children are taught nonsense that will kill them if those words are not countered.  People who pursue sin to their destruction change the meaning of words to hide that which is against nature behind a pleasant screen.  Religious leaders stand in places of authority and make declarations that can lead to repentance and life or complacency, ignorance and death.

What we say is important.  For one thing, it is a reflection, sometime distorted of what we think.  As Jesus said, "...[O]ut of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)


And, really, sometimes the best thing to do is just shut up.

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (Proverbs 10:19)

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. (Ecclesiastes 5:3)

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
(Ecclesiastes 5:7)