“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” -Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Every day, we build something with our words.

A kind word can lift a weary heart. A simple “I’m praying for you” can give someone hope to keep going. An encouraging conversation can change the direction of a person’s day—or even their life.

The opposite is true as well. Careless words can leave wounds that last much longer than we ever intended. That’s why Solomon reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Think about Jesus. Wherever He went, His words brought life. He spoke peace to troubled hearts, hope to the discouraged, forgiveness to the broken, and truth to those searching for God. As His followers, our words should reflect His heart.

Before you speak today, ask yourself a simple question: Will these words bring life? Will they strengthen someone, encourage someone, or point someone closer to Christ?

You never know who is hanging on by a thread. Your next conversation may be the very thing God uses to remind someone they are loved, valued, and never alone.

So choose your words carefully. Speak with grace. Speak with kindness. Speak with truth. Because the words you plant today will produce a harvest tomorrow.