Daily Devotional • Proverbs 12:25

- Proverbs 12:25

I have learned over the years that words have a strange and wonderful power to penetrate the soul and bring refreshment to the heart.

God has endowed speech with the capacity to transform lives.

Words have the uncanny power to make living things die or bring dead things to life…

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (Proverbs 18:21).”

People die because of something said. Tongues can be weapons of mass destruction, launching holocausts and wars. Tongues can also be the death of marriages, families, friendships, churches, careers, hopes, understanding, and reputations. Words can bring about death and destruction. ​

But, people also live because of something said. The tongue can be “a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Tongues reconcile people and make peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).

Tongues can make marriages sweet, families strong, and churches healthy. Tongues can give hope to the despairing, advance understanding, and spread the gospel. Tongues can empower entire nations to move in boldness and truth.

Words can bring life.

The question becomes, “what will come out of your mouth today, death or life?” It all depends on what’s filling your heart.

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Thus, do not be surprised that:

• a critical heart produces a critical tongue.
• a self-righteous heart produces a judgmental tongue.
• a bitter heart produces an acerbic tongue.
• an ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue.

But:

• a loving heart produces a gracious tongue.
• a faithful heart produces a truthful tongue.
• a peaceful heart produces a reconciling tongue.
• a trusting heart produces an encouraging tongue.

Ask yourself this morning, "what is filling my heart?"

The answer could be the difference between life and death!

Fight on,
Pastor Chris

Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on today's devotional!

Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”

When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.