Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 18:21 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. "
Proverbs 18:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
20 A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
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A person can do a great deal of good or a great deal of harm with the tongue, both to others and to himself. Many have brought ruin on themselves through a bad tongue, or harmed others through a lying tongue. On the other hand, many have saved their own lives, or made life better, by a wise and gentle tongue. Many have also saved others through timely witness or pleading on their behalf. If we must be justified or condemned by our words, then life and death truly are in the power of the tongue.
God also judges words by the heart behind them. A man may speak rightly to protect his reputation or fit in with the people around him, yet not truly love what is good. But the one who loves to speak what is right, and does so willingly and gladly, will find that it brings life to him. In the same way, a person may say wrong things by carelessness, yet a good man does not love evil speech. But if someone loves to speak badly, as in (Psalm 52:4), that will bring death to him. People will reap what they love and choose in their speech.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 18:1
"A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment."
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion."
Proverbs 18:3
"When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace."
Proverbs 18:4
"The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook."
Proverbs 18:5
"To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice."
Proverbs 18:6
"A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings."
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