The Proverbs Challenge - Day 18

Hi Woman of God

It’s amazing hearing how this challenge is blessing you ladies! It is speeding by fast and so we should start thinking about which book of the Bible we want to do next, in January. I’ll be posting a poll on my IG story soon for this, but feel free to let me know beforehand if there are any books of the Bible you want us to consider doing together next!

Let’s dive into day 18 ✨

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 18, Verse 21:
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

OBSERVATION

This chapter reveals in many verses the strong influence our speech has, not only on others but especially ourselves. The key verse that stood out to me, Proverbs 18:21, teaches us that our words carry the power to bring life or death. This power is not metaphorical; it has real, tangible consequences. The phrase, “those who love it will eat its fruit,” emphasises that the consequences of our speech - whether positive or negative - will directly affect us. What we say shapes our lives, our relationships, and even our spiritual well-being.

Several other verses in this chapter expand on the theme of speech:

• “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” (v.6) Reckless words can bring strife and harm into your life.

• “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” (v.8) Gossip can corrupt deeply, leaving lasting effects.

• “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (v.13) Listening before speaking is critical to avoid rash or foolish responses.

• “From the fruit of a man’s mouth, his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.” (v.20) This verse can be understood in two ways. Firstly, how what we say can open doors that bring provision into our lives, and secondly, what we say can nourish us spiritually and emotionally, even physically as other verses in previous chapters have outlined. There is definitely a link between our words and our inner state.

What all these verses have in common is that they show the affect of words on YOU. Solomon consistently teaches that our words are not merely tools to influence others but they profoundly affect our own lives. While previous chapters often highlighted how our words impact those around us, verse 21 and the other verses above shift the focus to the impact of speech on the speaker. If we speak life - through the word of God, wisdom, truth and good report - we will reap its fruit in joy, peace, and relationships. If we speak death - through negativity, lies, or harm - we will experience the bitter consequences. These verses together serve as a call to be intentional about what we say, understanding its lasting influence.

APPLICATION

• I will reflect on the words I speak, ensuring they bring life to my heart, mind, and spirit as well as to others.

• I will avoid engaging in gossip or careless talk that could harm others and, ultimately, myself.

• I will consciously speak God's promises over my life, replacing negative self-talk or doubt with truth, knowing that my words shape my reality and draw me closer to God’s purpose.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the incredible power of my words over my life. Help me to speak life and truth into my own life and the lives of others. Teach me to be mindful of the fruit my words produce and to use my tongue to glorify You. Keep me from negativity, gossip, and reckless speech that leads to harm. Instead, fill my heart and mouth with Your wisdom so that I may see the fruits of joy, peace, and righteousness in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 🩷

See you tomorrow for Day 19 sister ✨

With my love

Tochi
creatortochi.com
IG @creatortochi