Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. The tongue is a member which God has used to produce great misery or great blessing. As soon as thought is embodied in language, it assumes the form of a living engine. I. THE ENGINE OF COUNSEL. If men be asked for counsel or advice, they can give it only in proportion to the knowledge they possess. Illustrate from the counsel given by the master of a family or by a public teacher. II. THE ENGINE OF SLANDER. Slanderers include the backbiter, the gossiper, the keen anatomist. The mind of man is by nature eminently fitted for becoming the engine of slander. III. AS THE ENGINE OF FLATTERY. Men are more ready to forgive an ill done to them than an ill said of them. Men often entertain a higher respect for individuals who flatter them than for those who confer upon them a substantial benefit. There is such a thing as religious flattery. Even an advance in spiritual attainments may engender spiritual pride. Where there is spiritual prosperity there is a risk of becoming spiritually vain. (H. Melvill.) Parallel Verses KJV: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.WEB: Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. |
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