Tongue Power

(Proverbs 18:21 KJV)  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

My first inclination was to respond to the first part of this verse.  Then the focus would be on how our tongue can be for good or bad.  But as I looked at the second part I was drawn to the phrase “love (157) it.” 

What is the focus of “it,” “power” (3027) or “tongue” (3956)?  It really doesn’t matter because we are being reminded to ask ourselves, “What is the focus of our love?”  I did a search for verses that have both “fruit” (6529) and “tongue.”  I was looking for the phrase “fruit of the tongue.”  It reminded me of the phrase “fruit of the Spirit.”  This is the only verse that came up.

James has a lot to say about the tongue.  He says the tongue “is a fire.”  This verse seems to be saying that the fire can bring “life” (2425b) or “death” (4194).

So?  What is your first love?  Let your mouth reflect it.  Represent Jesus in word and deed.  Bring life, not death to those you speak to.