The Harvest of Our Words
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)
Seeds are already planted, even if the growth can’t be seen yet.
Words are powerful. More powerful than we often realize. Proverbs 18:21 paints the picture in sharp contrast: our tongues can produce either death or life. There is no neutral ground. Every conversation we have is planting seeds that will eventually grow into fruit, fruit that we ourselves will one day eat.
The Power of Everyday Words
We don’t have to look far to see this truth play out. Think about:
A teacher’s words that encouraged a student to keep trying when they wanted to quit.
A careless insult that someone still remembers years later.
A kind word at the right moment that carried someone through a difficult season.
Each of those words was a seed, and the fruit has lasted long after the moment passed.
Eating the Fruit
The proverb warns us that “those who love it will eat its fruit.” In other words, the way we consistently use our words eventually circles back to us.
If we plant seeds of encouragement, honesty, and love, the harvest will be trust, stronger relationships, and opportunities to point people toward God.
If we plant seeds of gossip, anger, or lies, the harvest will be isolation, broken trust, and regret.
It’s not just about others. Our own words shape the kind of life we end up living.
Words That Last Beyond Us
Scripture takes this even further. Paul told the Thessalonian believers that they themselves were his “crown of rejoicing” when Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Why? Because his words, the gospel he shared, the encouragement he gave, were seeds that had grown into eternal fruit.
One day, in the twinkling of an eye, all of our words will be brought into the light of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Some will stand as gold and silver. Others will vanish like hay and stubble in the fire. The harvest may not be fully visible now, but it will be revealed then.
Speaking Life Today
This proverb is not just a warning; it’s an invitation.
Every mealtime conversation.
Every moment with coworkers.
Every exchange with family and friends.
Each one is an opportunity to plant seeds of life.
The seeds of life we plant with our words will one day bear fruit.
We may not always see the sprouts. Some fields will look like bare soil for years. But the harvest is real. The words we speak now will echo into eternity.
Takeaway
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us: speak carefully, speak intentionally, and speak life.
Because one day, the harvest of our words will be revealed, and the fruit we planted will be the fruit we taste.
