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Proverbs 18:21
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Death and life--or, the greatest evil and good. that love it--that is, the tongue, or its use for good or evil. eat . . . fruit--(Compare Pro 18:19; Jam 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,.... Of witnesses, according to the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass; of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by their well or ill speaking, bring death or life to themselves and others. Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent intercession, secure or obtain life for themselves and others; yea, judgment at the last day will proceed according to a man's words, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned", Mat 12:37; the tongue is the instrument either of a great deal of good, or of a great deal of evil; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof; that delight to be talkative; that love to use the tongue, whether in a good or in a bad way, shall accordingly be recompensed; shall enjoy the advantages or disadvantages arising from it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue. Many a one has been his own death by a foul tongue, or the death of others by a false tongue; and, on the contrary, many a one has saved his own life, or procured the comfort of it, by a prudent gentle tongue, and saved the lives of others by a seasonable testimony or intercession for them. And, if by our words we must be justified or condemned, death and life are, no doubt, in the power of the tongue. Tongues were Aesop's best meat, and his worst. 2. Men's words will be judged of by the affections with which they speak; he that not only speaks aright (which a bad man may do to save his credit or please his company), but loves to speak so, speaks well of choice, and with delight, to him it will be life; and he that not only speaks amiss (which a good man may do through inadvertency), but loves to speak so (Psa 52:4), to him it will be death. As men love it they shall eat the fruit of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:21 Life and death: The wise speak thoughtfully (10:19; 11:12; 12:23) because they know that what we say has consequences (13:3; 14:3).
Proverbs 18:21
The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Tame Your Tongue
By David Wilkerson7.1K49:33PRO 18:21MAT 7:21MAT 12:341CO 13:1EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either good or evil. The preacher shares his personal conviction to be cautious with his words and to examine his own heart for any root of jealousy, envy, or covetousness. He also references the book of James, specifically James 3:11, which warns against the inconsistency of a fountain producing both sweet and bitter water. The sermon concludes with a call to control and tame the tongue, recognizing that every word spoken will be accounted for before the Lord.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1
By Richard Wurmbrand5.6K09:46PSA 127:3PRO 18:21ECC 4:2MAT 18:3MRK 12:29JHN 1:1EPH 4:29HEB 4:12JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept of innocence and the eternal destiny of unborn children, shedding light on the significance of love and understanding in relationships. The speaker also touches on the Hebrew language's unique perspective on faith and the real essence of God's word, encouraging a deeper spiritual enrichment.
Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ
By David Wilkerson4.8K46:19LukewarmnessPRO 18:21PRO 26:20GAL 6:7HEB 3:7JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the city. The preacher urges the listeners to prioritize their spiritual growth and not neglect the Word of God. He emphasizes the need for a tender and loving heart that is open to receiving God's reproof and correction.
In the School of God
By Keith Daniel3.1K58:52Christian GrowthPRO 15:1PRO 18:21MAT 6:33EPH 4:292TI 4:12JAS 3:1In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of words and the importance of being an example of a believer. He shares stories of individuals who excelled in their faith and passed every test they faced. The preacher also recounts a personal experience of being publicly attacked by another preacher, which led to a deep revelation about enduring trials. The sermon emphasizes the power of words and the need to guard one's tongue, as well as the love and forgiveness of God.
The Plague of Profanity
By Jon Courson2.9K38:35ProfanityPRO 18:21ISA 6:5MAT 5:33JAS 3:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impact of profanity on society and how it desensitizes people to the reality of eternity. He explains that there was a time when words like damnation and hell had a strong impact because they were associated with eternal destruction. However, in today's culture, these words are used casually and frequently, leading to a loss of their significance. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of being careful with the quantity and quality of our speech, quoting verses from the book of James and Matthew. He concludes by urging listeners to distance themselves from profanity and embrace wisdom in their communication.
The Foremost Proof of Holiness
By Keith Daniel2.7K1:01:23HolinessPRO 18:21PRO 21:23ISA 55:11MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:2In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. The preacher also highlights the significance of controlling one's words and the potential harm that can come from an unruly tongue. He shares a personal story of a man whose wife's bitter and venomous words have caused great pain and destruction in their relationship. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God's guidance in controlling their speech and to understand the power of words in shaping their testimonies and relationships.
(Basics) 41. Jesus' Speech Was Always Loving
By Zac Poonen2.6K13:06PRO 18:21ISA 50:4MAT 7:3LUK 6:452CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love in our speech and how it reveals what is in our hearts. He questions why people belittle and hurt others with their words, suggesting that it may be because they lack the love of Christ. The speaker then highlights Jesus as the perfect example of love, showing how he valued people and had compassion for them. He also emphasizes that the Holy Spirit wants to transform our speech to be like Jesus', but it requires our willingness to allow Him to control our tongues.
Preaching - a Sacred Responsibility - Part 1
By Art Katz2.5K51:09PreachingPSA 46:10PRO 18:21ISA 55:11MAT 6:331CO 14:1EPH 4:29JAS 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the condition of the hearers in receiving the word of God. He criticizes the indifference and lack of reverence in the congregation, attributing it to their late-night activities and reliance on the preacher to deliver a spiritual experience. The speaker calls for the church to recognize its prophetic call and to correct preachers who have become too professional in their delivery. He also highlights the significance of silence and stillness in knowing and experiencing God.
Avoiding Cynicism - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K10:18Critical SpiritGEN 19:26PSA 27:13PRO 18:21MAT 6:33HEB 3:19HEB 4:2HEB 11:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett addresses the danger of becoming cynical and taking God's Word and blessings for granted. He highlights the importance of faith and belief in experiencing the goodness of the Lord in our lives. He references the Old Testament story of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness because they did not mix the word they heard with faith. He emphasizes the need to avoid cynicism and instead have a tangible, real, and touchable faith in God's promises.
Effective Prayer - Part 1
By William MacDonald2.3K28:36Effectual PrayerPSA 30:5PRO 15:1PRO 18:21MAT 6:33EPH 4:15EPH 4:29JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of commenting on the answers we receive after asking questions. He highlights the joy that comes from someone sharing a thought that adds depth to the conversation. The speaker also mentions the significance of speaking the truth in love, referencing Ephesians 4:15. Additionally, he discusses the key of expecting meaningful conversations and the need to consciously think about our words. The sermon encourages taking the initiative in asking meaningful questions, being a good listener, and being mindful of the impact of our communication.
04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:07GEN 3:9JOB 1:5PSA 133:1PRO 15:4PRO 18:21EPH 4:32COL 4:6JAS 3:21PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lack of emphasis in the Old Testament, highlighting the significance of relationships within the family unit. The message encourages acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and fostering fellowship between spouses and children, with a focus on speaking graciously and building a home filled with love and unity.
A Warning to Would-Be Teachers
By Alistair Begg2.1K33:27WarningPRO 18:21PRO 21:23JER 45:5MAT 6:33EPH 4:29JAS 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability for those who teach the word of God. He explains that teachers will not only be judged for the content of their teaching, but also for their conduct and motivations. The speaker uses the example of Ezekiel being appointed as a watchman over Israel, highlighting the responsibility to warn others of their sins. He also discusses the challenges faced by teachers and the need for honesty in acknowledging mistakes. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for teachers to fulfill their role with clarity, openness, and integrity.
(The Truth Will Set You Free) Freedom From the Curse
By Zac Poonen2.0K58:01PSA 119:11PRO 18:21MAT 5:44MAT 7:12MAT 16:17GAL 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against speaking evil about others and encourages forgiveness and generosity. The speaker also addresses the issue of exploitation and mistreatment of workers, emphasizing the need to pay them fairly. He highlights the significance of being serious students of God's Word and serving one's generation in the will of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to release others and extend pardon in order to experience release from the cages of bitterness and unforgiveness.
Spiritual Avalanche: The Threat of False Teachings That Could Destroy Millions
By Steve Hill1.6K08:53JDG 17:6PRO 18:21MAT 24:24JHN 14:62CO 10:4EPH 6:122TI 2:152TI 4:3HEB 4:121PE 5:8This sermon warns about a spiritual avalanche of false teachings that is covering the body of Christ, likened to a dangerous snowfall on a majestic mountain. The vision reveals the need for spiritual vigilance and discernment as believers are being lulled into deception by modern teachings that challenge the foundational truths of Christ. The call is for spiritual leaders to take swift action, using the 'weapons of warfare' to combat heresy and preserve the solid, biblical truth that can save and strengthen believers.
Poison From the Tongue
By Erlo Stegen1.6K1:22:18TongueEXO 4:10PSA 103:13PRO 18:21PRO 21:23MAT 12:36EPH 4:29JAS 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our lives and encourages parents to monitor what their children watch. The preacher urges listeners to expose sin and confront it directly, seeking guidance from God. He also shares a personal story of overcoming anger through prayer and repentance. The sermon concludes with a reminder to reflect on the power of our words and to examine ourselves in light of God's standards.
Heart-Faith and Not Mind-Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K59:25FaithPRO 3:34PRO 18:21ROM 10:11HEB 11:24HEB 11:30In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in the heart that God raised him from the dead. He explains that true belief in the heart leads to a spiritual connection and transformation, unlike mere intellectual belief. The preacher also highlights the significance of the book of Proverbs, which he describes as a "new covenant book" in the Old Testament. He encourages the audience to trust in the Lord with their hearts and not just their minds. Additionally, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, explaining that without forgiving others, one's faith is hindered and mountains cannot be moved.
Couples Night - Part 6
By Keith Daniel1.4K08:48PRO 15:1PRO 18:21EPH 4:29EPH 5:25COL 3:191PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining tenderness and love in marriage, highlighting how a change in tone and lack of honor can erode the foundation of a Christian home. It challenges individuals to reflect on their interactions with their spouses, urging them to speak with kindness and honor, as it reflects their relationship with God and their commitment to love as Christ loved the church.
Words of Power and Grace
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:41PSA 107:20PRO 18:21ISA 40:8MAT 7:16MAT 12:36MRK 1:29LUK 4:22EPH 4:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of counting our blessings and acknowledging the works of God in our lives. It delves into the power of words and the impact they can have on others, highlighting the need for uplifting language and the avoidance of vulgarity. The sermon also touches on the significance of family dynamics and the role of prayer in bringing blessings to the family table. Additionally, it discusses the authority and power of Jesus in driving out evil spirits and the necessity of spreading the scriptures for the well-being of a nation.
Hidden Sin - Part 6
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:09PRO 18:21MAT 12:36EPH 4:29JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate communicator, convicting hearts in various settings. It challenges individuals to assess the quality of their communication and the responsibility that comes with sharing God's message. The speaker highlights the need for genuine, Christ-like communication and the significance of true repentance and moral responsibility in worship and service.
Milton Green - 11
By Milton Green1.1K05:14GEN 3:15EXO 28:42LEV 19:19PSA 23:1PRO 18:21MAT 16:24ACT 2:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and loving life as a reflection of God's truth. He highlights the contrast between the fruit of righteousness, which includes love, joy, peace, and power, and the fruit of the flesh, which leads to death and curses. The preacher encourages listeners to repent and lay down their selfish nature in order to fully embrace the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives. He also acknowledges that believers may face tests and temptations, but assures them that God's grace and protection will never be taken away.
We Ourselves Are They Who Are Wretched
By Hans R. Waldvogel96234:05WretchedPRO 18:21ISA 40:30ACT 2:4REV 3:14REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and relying on Him in times of difficulty. He uses the analogy of a ship sailing through treacherous seas to illustrate the challenges we face in life. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's plan and to continue moving forward, even when hope seems lost. He also highlights the need to prioritize our time and use it wisely, reminding the listeners of the eternal rewards that await those who follow God's path.
Purity of Speech as Believers in Christ
By Jim Cymbala94321:25SpeechPSA 19:14PRO 18:21MAT 12:37ROM 12:19EPH 4:29COL 3:13JAS 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of our words and how they reflect our relationship with Christ. He highlights the importance of using our words to praise and thank the Lord, rather than speaking negatively or engaging in gossip. The speaker also discusses the prevalence of harmful and malicious words in society, including online platforms. He encourages believers to be different and to let go of bitterness, rage, and anger, as these emotions can eat away at us. The speaker shares a personal experience of facing challenges in ministry and how he overcame them by seeking God's presence and choosing to praise the Lord.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 8 - the Truth Matters
By Alistair Begg82246:04FreedomEXO 20:16PRO 10:19PRO 17:28PRO 18:21JHN 8:44JAS 3:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of delivering things to people on time. He shares a strategy of overestimating the delivery time to avoid disappointing the recipient. The speaker then transitions to the topic of lying and how it has become an art form in our culture. He emphasizes that lying is morally wrong and foolish, even though some intelligent and influential people promote it. The sermon concludes with the reminder that righteousness and transformed lives come from the gospel and the need to accept Jesus into our hearts.
Hearing His Voice, and Receiving "So Great Salvation
By Hans R. Waldvogel76125:30Voice Of GodPSA 95:7PRO 1:23PRO 18:21ISA 66:2JHN 17:17HEB 5:9JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for the church to be filled with people, not through flashy shows or entertainment, but through the revelation and communication of God. He emphasizes that the mystery of the kingdom of God is not about discussing sermons, but about the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the importance of salvation and obedience, stating that neglecting salvation is a great mistake. He also emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to work in believers, not just for gifts or blessings, but for the transformation of character to be like Jesus. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God's plan has always been to have sons like Jesus Christ and that He has never given up on this plan.
A Spirit Controlled Tongue
By Zac Poonen73810:38PRO 15:4PRO 18:21MAT 12:36JHN 8:44ACT 2:4EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:26JAS 3:3This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling one's tongue in demonstrating true spirituality and Christianity. It highlights how the tongue serves as a powerful indicator of spiritual health and the need for the Holy Spirit to enable believers to speak graciously. The message warns against the destructive nature of untamed speech and encourages surrendering to the Holy Spirit for transformation. It underscores the truth that life and death are in the power of the tongue, urging listeners to choose words that bring life and reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Death and life--or, the greatest evil and good. that love it--that is, the tongue, or its use for good or evil. eat . . . fruit--(Compare Pro 18:19; Jam 1:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,.... Of witnesses, according to the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass; of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by their well or ill speaking, bring death or life to themselves and others. Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent intercession, secure or obtain life for themselves and others; yea, judgment at the last day will proceed according to a man's words, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned", Mat 12:37; the tongue is the instrument either of a great deal of good, or of a great deal of evil; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof; that delight to be talkative; that love to use the tongue, whether in a good or in a bad way, shall accordingly be recompensed; shall enjoy the advantages or disadvantages arising from it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue. Many a one has been his own death by a foul tongue, or the death of others by a false tongue; and, on the contrary, many a one has saved his own life, or procured the comfort of it, by a prudent gentle tongue, and saved the lives of others by a seasonable testimony or intercession for them. And, if by our words we must be justified or condemned, death and life are, no doubt, in the power of the tongue. Tongues were Aesop's best meat, and his worst. 2. Men's words will be judged of by the affections with which they speak; he that not only speaks aright (which a bad man may do to save his credit or please his company), but loves to speak so, speaks well of choice, and with delight, to him it will be life; and he that not only speaks amiss (which a good man may do through inadvertency), but loves to speak so (Psa 52:4), to him it will be death. As men love it they shall eat the fruit of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:21 Life and death: The wise speak thoughtfully (10:19; 11:12; 12:23) because they know that what we say has consequences (13:3; 14:3).