Scripture
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
~Proverbs 18:21
Quote
“WARNING: Words have power, use them carefully.”
~Anonymous
There is a lot in Proverbs about the tongue and the use or misuse of words. This certainly seems to be the theme of chapter 18. Take verses 6-8 for example: The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Verse 1 is another good example: “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint” and verse two states, “Even a fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent.” If you study the chapter closely, the use of the tongue is in practically every verse. Verse 20 and 21 go together:
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
At this point, I have to be honest: the only bible verse my daddy ever quoted was Proverbs 18:7, “A fool’s mouth is his undoing.” He didn’t quote it randomly, he quoted it to me. When I first began this study in Proverbs, I got under heavy conviction because unfortunately for me, most of the characteristics of a fool fit me like a glove and my life goal is not to be a fool. With that in mind, I am deferring today to the words of Duane A. Garrett of the New American Commentary.
The fruit of the mouth is words and by our own words we can be satisfied like food to the stomach. Solomon is referring to people who have a sense of self-satisfaction about their own words: to put it another way, they delight in airing their own opinions. {They love to hear themselves talk} Many times, these people are unaware of the fact that their words be dangerous. Solomon’s purpose in these two verses is to warn against being too much in love with our own words. One should recognize the power of words and use them with restraint. Voicing one’s own views and be an addictive habit with dangerous consequences. [New American Commentary, Vol.14, page 167]
What can I say other than I’m guilty: I love to talk and I hate to listen. I do abhor gossip and slander and that is due in part to being the victim. People love to talk about the preacher. I grew up in a home where the preach got discussed at Sunday dinner and almost, every Sunday. I’ve had my heart-broken less than a half-dozen times which means I fortunate. One of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced came from the venom of a malicious lie. Matter of fact, I’ve had this happen twice. In both cases a relationship was damaged severely. I went to both parties who were my friends and told them the truth. They said they believed me but things were never the same. Once a slanderous person or gossip plants a seed of doubt into another person’s mind about your intentions and character, it is all but impossible to restore that relationship to the previous state. The classic example of the destructive power of words is the story of Jezebel and Naboth. Jezebel’s venomous words cost Naboth his life. Words are powerful. The universe was created by spoken words. Larazus was raised from the dead by the power of words. Before we do to someone what the democrats did to Judge Moore, we need to think things through. They destroyed a man character and reputation for a political office. Really folks, are we that desperate for power that we are willing to murder a man’s reputation? Jesus will have the final word on slander and all those involved with be tried for first degree murder.
Made it to Vandy and back. Jim had a colonoscopy yesterday, so he was given out when I left about 4:00 P.M. They are working hard to find the problem. We may know more when they get the results of the test from yesterday. It’s a big hospital and it’s easy to get turned around but I’ve been there several times and the staff there is very helpful. I got a lot of comments on my Alabama cap and all were positive. I guess Vandy fans vent their anger toward the VOLS and I don’t blame them. Bill and I will probably go back tomorrow if anyone wants to send a care package. Two more cold nights according to the weather folks but Spring is just around the corner.
I listed to a little radio going up to Nashville and the media is on Trump for firing someone on his Whitehouse Staff. I turned the station. These folks make me sick. We need to pray for our President and for his family. I’ve never seen more hate and venom directed toward a public figure. Pray for God to confuse the enemy and put a hedge around the Trump family. Pray for God to guide the President and give him direction.