January 23, 2024

What Does It Mean for Death and Life to Be in the Power of the Tongue?

Proverbs 18

Crystal Stringer
Tuesday's Devo

January 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 23, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 18

1  Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2  A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing his opinion.
3  When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4  The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5  It is not good to be partial to 1 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6  A fool's lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites a beating.
7  A fool's mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8  The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9  Whoever is slack in his work
    is a brother to him who destroys.
10  The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11  A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
12  Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.
13  If one gives an answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
14  A man's spirit will endure sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15  An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16  A man's gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
17  The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
18  The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
19  A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20  From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22  He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the LORD.
23  The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
24  A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Footnotes

[1] 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #17: Casting lots

Fact: Casting lots

Casting lots. Though quarrels were often settled by a judge’s decision, sometimes there was not enough evidence to reach a verdict. In such cases, the parties involved might cast lots, trusting that the Lord himself would decide the result (18:18). Lots were like the dice used in various games today.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 17:27–18:4 This section begins and ends with proverbs on the careful, restrained use of words (17:27; 18:4).

Study Notes

Prov. 18:5–8 These verses concern the consequences of misusing words. Verses 6 and 7 obviously parallel each other. Gossip and lying can lead to a breakdown of the legal system (v. 5).

Study Notes

Prov. 18:9–12 Verses 10 and 11 describe two types of security: the LORD and riches. Verses 9 and 12 describe two things that bring about one’s destruction: laziness and pride. Taken together, these proverbs teach that riches can give a false sense of security that leads to laziness, pride, and eventually one’s downfall. On the other hand, humility and the fear of God is a great benefit.

Study Notes

Prov. 18:18 On whether Christians should cast lots, see note on Acts 1:26.

Proverbs Fact #17: Casting lots

Fact: Casting lots

Casting lots. Though quarrels were often settled by a judge’s decision, sometimes there was not enough evidence to reach a verdict. In such cases, the parties involved might cast lots, trusting that the Lord himself would decide the result (18:18). Lots were like the dice used in various games today.

Study Notes

Prov. 18:15–19 These proverbs can apply to many settings. Here they seem focused on the courtroom. A judge must have an intelligent heart in order to acquire knowledge about a case (v. 15). A man’s gift (a bribe) interferes with justice, because it gives access to powerful people (v. 16). Wise judges hear all relevant testimony (vv. 15, 17). They let the Lord settle cases that seem unsolvable (v. 18). They realize that family disputes can often be vicious (v. 19).

Study Notes

Prov. 18:22 This verse refers to both the human action (finds) and the divine governance (from the LORD) that results in a marriage. The description of the wife as good agrees with the Lord’s assessment that it was “not good” for Adam to be alone (Gen. 2:18).

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Dive Deeper | Proverbs 18

Have you ever put your foot in your mouth? Hopefully you answered "no" in the literal sense! But you probably know that moment when you blurt out something tactless, perhaps embarrassing, hurtful, insensitive, or even inappropriate? We have all done it—some of us more than others. I'm guilty of having a loose tongue more often than I'd like to admit, and trust me when I say I've lived the painful consequences. 

Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs 18:21 highlights the weight and power of using our speech for good or evil. Just as God used the power of His words to speak creation into existence (Genesis 1:3), He has given us power through the Holy Spirit to bring blessings or curses on the world. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." The thrust of a sword inflicts pain and potentially death, but the spoken word of wisdom brings healing and life! 

The way of the wise is rooted and connected to Jesus. In John 15:5, Jesus tells us that we will bear His fruit as we abide in Him. Therefore, we must remain fixed on Christ, grounded in His Word, and diligent in prayer so that we may walk in His ways. In doing so, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of a life-giving tongue, which is God's way!

The destructive words I've spoken in the past have resulted in chaos, heartache, confusion, and conflict. However, God used this to help chip away at the rough edges of my heart, and He continues to use it as a sanctifying tool for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Church family, let us choose our words wisely today so that we might feast on the sweet fruit of righteousness!

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. What are some examples of speech that contain the power of life? What about the power of death? 

2. Recall a time when you used your words unwisely. What were the results? How have you applied what you learned?

2. Define the word abide in your own terms. What does it mean to abide in the Lord? In what ways has the Lord called you to abide in Him?

3. Pray and ask the Lord who you can encourage today with your words. Give that person a call, send them a text, or write them an email or letter to breathe life into their day!

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 18 in two parts Perhaps I am over simplifying…but I see the emphasis in Proverbs 18 on choice. At least 8 verses on “speech” are the ones that speak to me. The choice to speak and be heard. Or the choice to listen and learn. For me, choice is the single greatest gift God gives me. And even when I misuse it and choose selfishly He will still take me back! Just look at Peter. If Jesus took Peter back and never wavered in His love for Him…why not me? Which is crazy.
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Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 18:1-12   “Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”   Repeatedly God emphasizes how important my heart is:   Proverbs 4:23, Jeremiah 17:9, 24:7, Ezekiel 36:26 (plus many more)   ESV SB notes - 15:13 A person's "heart" condition affects both his material and immaterial parts, seen in the "joyful heart"/"cheerful face" connection in this verse. Here the "heart" has its typical biblical metaphorical signification as the wellspring of human personality.   And so, here is my sin of pride once again.  I want to speak my thoughts and be heard.  Yes, I want to listen and learn.  But, in my “heart”, I want to speak more than I want to listen.  My theologian friends tell me that pride is the original sin and the foundation for all sin.  I can see how much of my sin ultimately and directly traceable to it.    For now, I am reflecting on how pride leads me to slaughter and destruction.  In this verse Solomon reminds me, again,  how important my heart is.  If I let pride make my heart haughty then destruction will soon follow.   Clearly Satan knows this too as that is right where he aims - and he is getting more and more clever with me.   The best way for me to guard my heart is to relentlessly pursue a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus.    The simplicity of the answer is what is so powerful.  Study and memorize God’s word.  Meditate on it day and night.  Pray, and then listen.  Seek the counsel of other believers.  Know the blessing of His provision for me.    The more I understand who He is and what He has done for me - the more humility and gratitude I have.    ———————————   Proverbs 18:13-24   I see my tendency to do this as another offshoot of my sin of pride.  I’ll finish others sentences and want to share my great wisdom with them before they even complete their thought.  Amy and I also use the term “blurt” for this.    Its an odd tool of Satan but it is a good one for sure.  Rather than build the relationship by listening and asking some questions I want my pearls of wisdom to be scooped up.  Its clear to me that my actions are against what God calls me to do -  build relationships with others so that I might serve them as His hands and feet.  He wants me to edify with His wisdom, not mine.    Application - Today I will strive, with God’s help, to listen to others speak and to count to 5 as I ask the Holy Spirt to guide any answer I might have. 
HS

Hugh Stephenson

The grand finale for me is Oswald Chambers’ 11/2 devotional on “choice”.   Obedience or Independence? By Oswald Chambers   If you love Me, keep My commandments. —John 14:15   Our Lord never insists on obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an “If,” meaning, “You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so.” “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself...” (Luke 9:23). In other words, “To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me.” Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.   The key phrase here is “…oneness of spirit…”. (John 14:20).  
MS

Michael Scaman

Profiles Related to Casefile Proverbs 18 - NCIS Profiler Analysis as if put together by Dr. Spencer Reid,, member of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU Negative Characteristics: The Foolish Offender (Proverbs 17:10): Characteristics: Reckless, impulsive. Background: Tim Johnson - Engages in criminal activities without considering consequences, often involved in petty crimes due to poor decision-making. The Contentious Criminal (Proverbs 17:14): Characteristics: Argumentative, quick to escalate conflicts. Background: Tony DiNozzo Jr. - Involved in criminal activities driven by a desire for revenge or a need to settle disputes through illicit means. The Deceitful Con Artist (Proverbs 17:20): Characteristics: Skilled in deception, manipulative, sly. Background: Jeanne Benoit - Commits crimes through fraud, scams, and manipulation, exploiting others for personal gain. The Corrupt Authority (Proverbs 17:15): Characteristics: Abuses power, engages in bribery or extortion. Background: Director Leon Vance - Holds a position of authority but uses it for personal gain, involved in corrupt practices within the legal system. The Reckless Gang Member (Proverbs 17:12): Characteristics: Violent, part of a criminal gang, lacks remorse. Background: Sergei Mishnev - Engages in organized crime, involved in activities such as robbery, assault, and other violent offenses. The Manipulative Schemer (Proverbs 17:23): Characteristics: Calculating, schemes behind the scenes. Background: Trent Kort - Plans and executes elaborate criminal plots, often targeting vulnerable individuals for financial or personal gain. And some counter examples with positive characteristics, from the same Proerbs 18 file include: The Wise Counselor (Proverbs 18:15): Characteristics: Knowledgeable, open-minded, values learning. Background: Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard - Works as a mentor or advisor, helping others make informed decisions and providing guidance based on wisdom. The Patient Peacemaker (Proverbs 18:19): Characteristics: Calm, patient, seeks resolution in conflicts. Background: Caitlin "Kate" Todd - Works to reconcile differences and build bridges between people, focusing on peaceful solutions rather than escalating tensions. The Trustworthy Friend (Proverbs 18:24): Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, a true companion. Background: Timothy McGee - Builds strong relationships, stands by friends in times of need, and fosters trust through honesty and reliability. The Diligent Worker (Proverbs 18:9): Characteristics: Hardworking, dedicated, takes pride in work. Background: Abby Sciuto - Excels in her profession, committed to excellence, and contributes positively to the team through her diligent efforts. The Humble Learner (Proverbs 18:2): Characteristics: Humble, open to correction, values self-improvement. Background: Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop - Embraces a mindset of continual learning, seeks personal growth, and positively influences others through her humility. The Gracious Speaker (Proverbs 18:21): Characteristics: Thoughtful, kind, encourages others. Background: Leroy Jethro Gibbs - Uses words to uplift and inspire, avoids gossip and harmful speech, and contributes to a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
GJ

greg jones

“Have you ever put your foot in your mouth?” :-)) Maybe. Once. It was a long time ago. I can’t be certain. You know how when you take your foot out of your mouth and it makes that loud popping noise… Great dive. A few things touched on really resonated with me. Just as God used the power of His words to speak creation into existence (Genesis 1:3), He has given us power through the Holy Spirit to bring blessings or curses on the world. Wisdom isn’t mentioned in the creation account but wisdom is heavily associated with creation. Proverbs 3:19-20, Proverbs 8:22-31 Jeremiah 4:22-26 there is a description of what some call “decreation” associated with foolishness. In context it is spoken at the national level to Judah. “The destructive (decreating) words I've spoken in the past have resulted in chaos, heartache, confusion, and conflict.” (Me too.) Different context, same result, different scale. “However, God used this to help chip away at the rough edges of my heart, and He continues to use it as a sanctifying tool for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28).” Re-creation. Love the Paul quote. To broaden the context I think if you add in Romans 8:18-27 and all of Paul’s creation talk I imagine our “purpose” to be re-creators with God. Using other words, not just saved from decreation but saved for His use as re-creators.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Crystal! I am so blessed to read my CG sisters devotional this morning! Proverbs 18:21 is a passage you live by and it is a blessing when your words bear the fruit of the way you abide in Christ. Q1 - what are examples of speech that contain the power of life and death? As I think about Proverbs 18:21 and how words have power for life and death I am immediately drawn to the way words build up or tear down in marriage. In Gods perfect sovereignty, the next verse, Proverbs 18:22 reminds us that he who finds a wife finds what is good, when she is a woman that speaks life and wisdom is on her tounge.
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Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Crystal. This chapter has what has become one of the most often-pinged proverbs for me, v. 17. "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." Oh MAN! How true is this??!! From everyday processing of claims in advertising or social media, to serving on a jury, this proverb has really helped me learn to hold back on taking a position until I hear the other side . . . and there's ALWAYS another side. As Dr. Phil used to say, "No matter how flat you make a pancake, there's always two sides." Aligning my thinking to this proverb hasn't made me cynical, just more cautious--and wiser. Which is good for this pathologically optimistic person!
AL

Amy Lowther

1. There is power of life in the words “how are you or how’s your day”. There is also power of life in the words “thank you”. The power of death is in being selfish or arrogant with words. 2. I was with friends for activities and I was talking on my phone to other people versus just talking to my friends who were in activities with me. It’s best to stay to God and talk to friends near me in current activities versus overloading situations by talking on my phone. 2. . Abide means obey. Abiding in the Lord is using His ways, values, and advice in everything I do versus doing things “my way” and only “my way”. The Lord calls me to abide in Him everyday so I do things His way not my way and thus live a healthy life. 3. Prayer: Lord, may I do things your way and encourage others today through using good words. Amen. Crystal - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a good point in saying “The way of the wise is rooted and connected to Jesus. In John 15:5, Jesus tells us that we will bear His fruit as we abide in Him”. Jesus is a helpful friend for everyone.