Proverbs 18:21

KJV

¶ Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Death {H4194} and life {H2416} are in the power {H3027} of the tongue {H3956}: and they that love {H157} it shall eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tongue has power over life and death; those who indulge it must eat its fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

American Standard Version

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:21 is a profound declaration on the immense and inescapable power of human speech. It asserts that words possess the inherent capacity to bring about either ultimate destruction or flourishing life, and that individuals who habitually engage in speaking, whether for good or ill, will inevitably experience the direct, natural consequences—the "fruit"—of their verbal choices. This verse underscores the moral gravity and practical impact of every utterance, urging a mindful and responsible approach to the tongue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18:21 is situated within the broader collection of Solomonic wisdom, specifically within a section (Proverbs 10-29) that largely comprises individual, often contrasting, proverbial sayings. This particular verse stands as a powerful, self-contained aphorism, yet it resonates deeply with the recurring emphasis on the importance of speech found throughout the book. Proverbs frequently contrasts the words of the wise with those of the fool, highlighting how judicious speech builds up and brings favor, while careless or malicious words lead to ruin and strife (e.g., [Proverbs 10:19](/proverbs/10-19 "Proverbs 10:19 - Multitude of Words"), [Proverbs 12:18](/proverbs/12-18 "Proverbs 12:18 - Rash Words and Healing Tongues")). The immediate verses in Proverbs 18 also touch on themes of isolation, self-exaltation, and the importance of listening, making verse 21 a climactic statement on the ultimate outcome of one's verbal habits.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite society, the spoken word held immense weight and authority. Oaths, blessings, curses, and covenants were not merely abstract concepts but binding realities, believed to carry intrinsic power. A king's decree, a prophet's pronouncement, or a parent's blessing could shape destinies. Reputation, honor, and social standing were largely established and maintained through verbal interaction within tight-knit communities. There was no widespread written communication for the masses; thus, oral tradition and direct speech were the primary means of transmitting knowledge, establishing relationships, and exercising influence. This cultural backdrop amplifies the verse's assertion that the tongue is not just an instrument of communication but a potent force with tangible, life-altering consequences.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 18:21 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the wisdom literature. Foremost is the **immense power of words**, asserting that speech is not neutral but carries the potential for either ultimate flourishing ("life") or profound destruction ("death"). This theme is echoed in [James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Tongue as a Fire"), which describes the tongue as a "fire, a world of iniquity." Another critical theme is **personal responsibility**; the verse places the power squarely "in the power of the tongue," implying that individuals are accountable for their utterances and their effects. Finally, it highlights the **principle of consequence** or sowing and reaping, stating that "they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." This universal law, seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")), dictates that one's habitual verbal choices will inevitably yield corresponding outcomes, whether positive or negative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," `yâd` in this context extends to denote control, dominion, ability, or means. Thus, "in the power of the tongue" signifies that the tongue possesses the active agency and authority to determine outcomes, much like a hand wields tools or directs actions. It emphasizes the active, decisive influence of speech.
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This word refers to the physical organ, but more significantly, it is used figuratively to represent speech, language, or the act of speaking itself. It encompasses not just the words uttered but the intent, tone, and overall communication that flows from a person. The verse focuses on the *function* of the tongue as the primary instrument for verbal expression.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** This primitive root signifies "to have affection for" or "to like." When applied to "they that love it" (referring to the tongue or the act of speaking), it suggests more than a casual act; it implies a habitual inclination, a fondness, or even an addiction to speaking. It points to a deep-seated disposition or character trait that consistently manifests in verbal expression, thereby ensuring the inevitable consumption of its "fruit."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Death and life are in the power of the tongue":** This opening clause presents a stark **antithesis**, establishing the extreme poles of consequence for human speech. "Death" (Hebrew `mâveth`) signifies not just physical cessation but also spiritual ruin, broken relationships, despair, and destruction. "Life" (Hebrew `chay`) encompasses not merely existence but vitality, flourishing, blessing, healing, and spiritual well-being. The phrase "in the power of the tongue" asserts that the tongue is the active agent, possessing the authority and capacity to bring about either of these profound outcomes. It's a declaration of the tongue's immense, almost sovereign, influence over human experience.
* **"and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof":** This second clause introduces the principle of **consequence** and **personal responsibility**. "They that love it" refers to those who are habitually inclined towards speaking, who delight in using their tongue—whether for good or ill. The verb "eat" (Hebrew `ʼâkal`) signifies consuming or experiencing the full effect, while "fruit" (Hebrew `pᵉrîy`) is a **metaphor** for the natural, inevitable outcomes or consequences of one's actions. Just as a tree yields fruit according to its kind, so too will a person experience the results—positive or negative—that their consistent verbal habits produce. This highlights the inescapable link between speech and its ultimate impact on the speaker's own life and circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:21 is rich with literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, starkly juxtaposing "Death and life" to emphasize the extreme and opposing outcomes of speech. This creates a dramatic tension, highlighting the critical choice inherent in every word. **Metaphor** is also central, particularly in the phrase "power of the tongue," where the abstract concept of influence is attributed to a physical organ, suggesting its active agency. The subsequent phrase, "eat the fruit thereof," extends this metaphorical language, likening the consequences of speech to edible produce, implying that the speaker will inevitably ingest and experience the full flavor of their verbal sowing. This also contains an element of **Personification**, as the tongue is implicitly given a will or agency to wield "power." The verse's concise, balanced structure, characteristic of Hebrew parallelism, further enhances its memorability and impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of Proverbs 18:21 resonates throughout the biblical narrative, connecting to the very nature of God and humanity's creation in His image. God's creative act began with words: "Let there be light" ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God's Creative Word")), demonstrating the inherent power of speech to bring forth existence. Conversely, the fall of humanity often involved deceptive words (e.g., [Genesis 3:4-5](/genesis/3-4 "Genesis 3:4-5 - The Serpent's Deception")). The verse also underscores the theme of stewardship—that humanity is entrusted with a powerful faculty (speech) and is accountable for its use. It connects to the New Testament emphasis on speaking truth in love, building up the body of Christ, and avoiding corrupting talk, recognizing that our words reflect the condition of our hearts.

* [James 3:5-8](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-8 - The Untamable Tongue")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Idle Word")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:21 is not merely a descriptive statement but a profound call to conscious and disciplined communication. In an age saturated with instant communication, social media, and constant verbal exchange, this verse serves as an urgent reminder that our words carry eternal weight. It compels us to pause before speaking, to consider the potential "fruit" our words will bear—will they sow discord or reconciliation, despair or hope, destruction or life? Applying this wisdom means cultivating a heart that desires to speak words of grace, truth, and encouragement, recognizing that our verbal habits shape our character, our relationships, and ultimately, our destiny. It challenges us to use our tongue as an instrument of blessing, reflecting the life-giving nature of God, rather than a weapon of destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" have my words produced in my own life or the lives of others recently?**
* **How can I become more mindful and intentional about the words I choose to speak each day?**
* **In what specific relationships or contexts do I need to exercise greater control over my tongue?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my words consistently bring life and not death?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 18:21 imply that words have a magical or mystical power?**

Answer: No, the verse does not suggest a magical or mystical power in words themselves, but rather highlights their profound and very real consequences within the natural and moral order established by God. The "power" of the tongue refers to its capacity to influence, create, destroy, build, or tear down through communication, relationship, and the shaping of reality. Words carry the weight of intent, truth, and impact. For example, a lie can destroy a reputation, while a word of encouragement can inspire hope. The verse emphasizes the direct, logical, and often inescapable outcomes of our verbal choices, much like sowing a seed yields a specific type of plant. It's about cause and effect in the realm of human interaction and spiritual truth.

**Is this verse only about negative speech, or does it apply to positive speech as well?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states "Death *and* life are in the power of the tongue," indicating that it applies equally to both positive and negative speech. While the warning against destructive words is often emphasized, the verse equally affirms the life-giving potential of the tongue. Words can bring healing, reconciliation, encouragement, and truth, fostering life in individuals and communities. The "fruit" that "they that love it shall eat" can be either positive or negative, depending on the nature of the words habitually spoken. [Proverbs 12:18](/proverbs/12-18 "Proverbs 12:18 - Rash Words and Healing Words") beautifully illustrates this duality: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "life" that the tongue can bring, being the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all things were created ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Through Him")). Unlike humanity's fallen tongue, prone to bringing death, Jesus' words consistently brought life, healing, and truth. He spoke with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus' Authority")), forgiving sins ([Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - Authority to Forgive Sins")), casting out demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")), and even raising the dead ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus, Come Out!")). His teaching brought eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, a silent act of obedience, spoke the loudest word of life, overcoming the power of death that sin introduced. For those who are "in Christ," the Holy Spirit empowers them to use their tongues to proclaim the gospel, which is the "word of life" ([Philippians 2:16](/philippians/2-16 "Philippians 2:16 - Holding Fast the Word of Life")), and to speak words that build up and give grace to those who hear ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")). Thus, Jesus not only perfectly demonstrated the life-giving power of the tongue but also enables His followers to bear the "fruit" of life-giving words through His indwelling Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Matthew 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Matthew 12:37

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Proverbs 10:19

¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.