3/2/25 - Eat Your Words: Reap Seeds of Life Not Death - Proverbs 18:21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

For the past ten weeks, we have walked through Proverbs 1-9, a section of Scripture that paints a vivid picture of wisdom’s beauty and folly’s destruction. Now, as we move into Proverbs 10, we transition from poetic discourse to the practical, everyday wisdom of the Proverbs themselves. The structure may seem scattered, jumping from one topic to another, but this is intentional - it encourages reflection and discussion. As we begin this next section, we will organize proverbs thematically, starting with the most frequently mentioned topic: our words. The sage speaks more about our speech than he does about money, sex, or family. Why? Because our words carry immense power - for life or death. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 We have all felt the weight of words. A careless insult can linger in our hearts for years, while a word of encouragement can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Gossip, slander, and false accusations tear apart families, friendships, and even churches. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, and among them are a lying tongue and one who sows discord among brothers. Gossip isn’t just a minor offense, it is a direct attack on unity, love, and peace, which are at the core of God’s design for His people. And let’s not forget that listening to gossip makes us just as guilty as speaking it. “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 Gossip would die if there were no eager ears to receive it. But just as words have the power to destroy, they also have the power to heal. A timely word of encouragement can lift the soul, as Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Jesus Himself embodied this balance. He was full of both grace and truth. He spoke life into the broken, the weary, and the lost. And He warns us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give an account for every careless word we speak. Our words reflect what is in our hearts, and they will either justify us or condemn us. So, let’s consider the diet of our words: what we speak, we consume. May our words be full of grace, seasoned with salt, and reflective of Christ, bringing life and healing to those around us.