Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
1. Words can CUT OR CRUSH THE SPIRIT.
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
2. Words can BRING HEALING AND LIFE.
Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
SPEAKING LIFE…
1. Speak life giving words to OURSELVES.
Proverbs 13:2-3 (NIV)
2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
2. Speak life to your CIRCUMSTANCES.
Mark 11:20-23 (NLT)
20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.
3. Speak life giving words to OTHERS.
Matthew 12:34-37 (NLT)
34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.