Morning walk with the power of the tongue

Morning Musings on the Power of the Tongue
Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." The words hang in the air this morning, as crisp and clear as the autumn breeze. Death and life… such stark opposites, yet both held within the seemingly insignificant instrument of my tongue. It's a humbling thought, this weight of power residing within me, in the very words I choose to speak.
What does "death" truly mean here? Is it simply the physical ending of life, or something more subtle? Perhaps it's the slow, insidious death of a relationship, eroded by careless words, by harsh judgments, by the poisonous whispers of negativity. Or maybe it's the death of hope within oneself, a spirit crushed under the weight of self-criticism and unkindness. The death of dreams, stifled by doubt and fear expressed in words that become self-fulfilling prophecies.
And "life"? What does that life-giving power look like? Is it the vibrant flourishing of a friendship, nurtured by words of encouragement and affirmation? Is it the healing balm of forgiveness, spoken with genuine remorse and a desire for reconciliation? Or is it the quiet strength of a word of faith, whispered in times of despair, lighting a path forward?
Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." This morning, as I walk, I ponder the contents of my own heart. What seeds are growing there? Are they seeds of kindness, compassion, and grace? Or are they the thorny weeds of bitterness, resentment, and judgment? The words I speak are simply the harvest of my heart, a reflection of what I nurture within.
The verse speaks of "eating the fruit thereof." This is not a passive process. We actively cultivate the harvest of our words, choosing to plant seeds of life or death. If I sow seeds of negativity, I will inevitably reap a harvest of conflict and sorrow. But if I choose to cultivate kindness, empathy, and forgiveness, my life will bear the sweet fruit of peace and joy.
This morning, as I walk, I'm not striving for perfection, but for intentionality. I'm choosing to be mindful of the words I speak, to listen to the whispers of my heart, and to cultivate a garden of grace within. The power of the tongue is a great responsibility, but it's also a magnificent opportunity. It's a chance to create beauty, to heal wounds, and to share the life-giving love that dwells within. And that, I think, is a beautiful way to start the day.