The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15: 4 (NIV)

God, in His omnipotence, spoke the world into being during the creation process. We, who were made in His image and likeness, also exhibit creative powers through the words that we speak. Our tongues can create life, but an also create death and destruction as evidenced in the scripture above. The soothing tongue is likened to a tree of life, one which gives, sustains and preserves life, but the perverse or evil tongue speaks words which cause wounds which may take years to heal.

It is imperative that on a daily basis we intentionally choose the words that come out of our mouth. The words that we speak have the potential to make or break, to build up or tear down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat the fruit thereof. This means that there are consequences to the words we speak, whether good or bad. Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back and the fruit that they bear are life changing and lasting. Our words must therefore be carefully and thoughtfully chosen.

A tree provides oxygen which is essential for life. In the same way, encouraging and affirming words serve to inspire and energize the one to whom they are spoken. I remember going to the dermatologist a few years ago with a skin condition. She was able to diagnose the problem and offer a solution, but the kind words she spoke to me remain with me to this day. She gave me a compliment, remarking that I had beautiful skin. I left the office on cloud 9 that day, because she made me feel good about myself, despite the condition I was experiencing.

The effect of words extends beyond humans to even plants. Years ago, an experiment was conducted to determine how words spoken to plants affected their growth and health. One set of plants was grown in an environment where they were showered with praises and other positive words on a daily basis, while the other set were grown in an environment where they were cursed every day. At the end of the experiment, the plants grown in the positive environment fared off much better than those grown in the negative environment. They were healthier, taller, had a faster germination rate and larger leave sizes.

Let us be mindful to speak kindly to others so that they can grow and flourish. Positive words affect the individual by increasing the feel-good hormones such as serotonin which improves mood and mindset as opposed to negative words which cause stress, anxiety and other negative emotions.

Here are a few other scriptures to consider:

• A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1
• Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6
• The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4
•  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Reflection

• How have my words impacted others in the past?
• What harmful speech patterns do I need to change?

Prayer

Father, please forgive me of the times when my words have brought hurt instead of healing. Let my words from henceforth be kind and uplifting, to build up and edify others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.