Have you ever thought about how powerful your words are? It might seem like just talk, but the Bible makes it clear that what we say can have a huge impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. "You will eat the fruit of your lips" is a phrase that really nails this idea. It means that what you say can come back to bless you—or bite you. Let's dive into what the Bible says about this and how we can use our words to create a life filled with positivity and blessings.
Words Have Power
The Bible has a lot to say about the power of words. One of the most striking verses is:
Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
This verse is pretty straightforward: our words can bring life or death. It’s like planting seeds. If you plant good seeds, you’ll get good fruit. If you plant bad seeds, well, you know what happens. So, speaking life means you’ll experience positive outcomes, while speaking negatively can lead to bad consequences.
Speaking Life: The Good Stuff
When we say positive things, we’re not just making others feel good—we're also setting ourselves up for success. Here are a few key scriptures that highlight this:
Proverbs 12:18 (NKJV): "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health."
Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV): "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."
These verses show that wise and kind words can promote health and well-being. It’s like a garden: plant seeds of encouragement and truth, and you’ll harvest a life full of positivity and wellness.
Avoiding Negative Talk: The Bad Stuff
On the flip side, negative speech can bring about some pretty nasty outcomes. The Bible warns us about this too:
James 3:6 (NKJV): "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."
Proverbs 21:23 (NKJV): "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles."
These passages emphasize that our words can cause major damage if we’re not careful. Just like a small spark can start a huge fire, an uncontrolled tongue can create big problems.
Real-Life Bible Examples
The Bible gives us plenty of examples of how words can affect our lives, both positively and negatively.
Positive Example: King David
David was known as a man after Yahvah’s own heart, and he often spoke words of praise and faith. His psalms are full of declarations of Yahvah’s goodness and power. Check out this verse:
Psalm 34:1 (NKJV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
David’s habit of praising Yahvah and speaking faith-filled words brought many blessings into his life. Even when he faced tough times, his positive speech and trust in Yahvah saw him through.
Negative Example: The Israelites in the Wilderness
On the other hand, the Israelites often spoke words of complaint and doubt. Their negative talk led to some serious consequences:
Numbers 14:28-29 (NKJV): "Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above."
Their constant grumbling and lack of faith kept them from entering the Promised Land. This is a powerful reminder that our words can limit our potential and keep us from receiving Yahvah’s blessings.
Changing How We Speak
So, how can we change our speech to align with Yahvah’s principles and ensure we eat the good fruit of our lips? Here are some practical steps:
1. Fill Your Heart with Yahvah’s Word
Our words are a reflection of what’s in our hearts. By filling our hearts with Yahvah’s Word, we ensure that what comes out is positive and life-giving.
Luke 6:45 (NKJV): "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
2. Practice Gratitude and Praise
Being thankful and praising Yahvah regularly shifts our focus from negative circumstances to His goodness and faithfulness.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV): "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
3. Speak in Faith
Even when things look bleak, speaking words of faith can change our circumstances and our mindset.
Mark 11:23 (NKJV): "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
4. Avoid Gossip and Negative Talk
Staying away from gossip and negative talk protects us from their harmful effects.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV): "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
5. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
The Holy Spirit can help us speak the right words at the right time.
John 16:13 (NKJV): "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
Putting It into Practice
Now that we know the power of our words, let’s look at some real-life situations where speaking life can make a big difference.
Encouraging Others
A simple word of encouragement can lift someone’s spirits and inspire them to keep going. By speaking life into others, we create a ripple effect of positivity.
Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV): "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."
Imagine you have a friend who’s going through a tough time. Telling them something positive, like “You’ve got this” or “I believe in you,” can make all the difference. It’s like giving them a boost of energy and hope.
Strengthening Relationships
Words of affirmation and kindness can strengthen our relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Building others up with our speech fosters trust and unity.
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV): "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
Think about your relationships at home or work. How often do you take the time to say something kind or affirming? Saying things like “I appreciate you” or “You did a great job” can really strengthen your bonds with others.
Overcoming Challenges
In moments of difficulty, speaking words of faith and hope can empower us to overcome challenges. Our words can transform our mindset and enable us to face obstacles with confidence.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV): "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
When life throws you a curveball, speaking words of faith like “I can do all things through Christ” or “Yahvah is with me” can give you the strength to push through.
Changing Your Perspective
Sometimes, we need to change our perspective to see the good in our situations. Positive speech can help us do that.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV): "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
By focusing on the positive and speaking it out, we can change how we view our circumstances. Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this,” try saying, “I’m learning and growing through this.”
Promoting Peace
Our words can either create conflict or promote peace. Choosing to speak calmly and kindly can defuse tense situations.
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV): "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
If you find yourself in a heated argument, taking a step back and responding with calm, kind words can help de-escalate the situation and promote peace.
Building Faith
Speaking Yahvah’s promises can build our faith and the faith of those around us. When we declare Yahvah’s Word over our lives, we reinforce our trust in Him.
Romans 10:17 (NKJV): "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Regularly speaking promises from the Bible can strengthen your faith. For example, saying “Yahvah will supply all my needs” or “By His stripes, I am healed” reminds us of His faithfulness and power.
Our words are extremely powerful, shaping our lives and the lives of those around us. The Bible makes it clear that "you will eat the fruit of your lips," meaning the words we speak can bring blessings or trouble. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
To speak life, we should fill our hearts with Yahvah’s Word, practice gratitude and praise, speak in faith, avoid gossip and negative talk, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This way, we can ensure our words are positive and life-giving.
In everyday situations, encouraging others, strengthening relationships, overcoming challenges, changing our perspective, promoting peace, and building faith are all ways our words can make a big difference. By choosing to speak life, we can create a ripple effect of positivity, faith, and blessings in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
So, let's be mindful of our words, planting seeds of encouragement and truth, and watching as Yahvah’s blessings unfold. Remember, every word you speak is a seed—choose to plant good seeds and reap a harvest of positivity and blessings.
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