Proverbs 18:21

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 in Other Translations

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

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

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

Proverbs 18:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:21

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", ( Matthew 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.

Proverbs 18:21 In-Context

19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 12:4
• 2. Proverbs 13:2-3; S Matthew 12:37