𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗘

LIFE AND DEATH ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

(Speech, Spiritual Influence, and Sound Doctrine in the Dispensation of Grace)
Proverbs 18:21

INTRODUCTION — WORDS THAT WEIGH ETERNITY

Words are never neutral. God created by His Word, Satan deceives by words, and believers edify or destroy by words.

While Proverbs is written primarily to Israel under wisdom instruction, the principle of speech applies today—but must be understood through Pauline doctrine in the Dispensation of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15 — “Rightly dividing the word of truth.”

POWER OF SPEECH
Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:36

A. Creative Influence – Words shape thoughts and direction
B. Consequential Impact – Every word carries accountability
C. Continuous Expression – Speech reveals the heart
Dispensational Insight:
Words do not create reality, but they influence lives.

PROBLEM OF PERVERSE TALK
Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8

A. Corrupt Communication – Speech that tears down
B. Carnal Conversation – Flesh-driven language
C. Contaminated Testimony – Christ obscured
Dispensational Insight:
Grace does not excuse corrupt speech—it transforms it.

PRAISE THAT PRODUCES LIFE
1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 13:15

A. Encouraging Words – Strengthening believers
B. Edifying Speech – Building up the Body
C. Exalting Christ – Glory directed upward
Dispensational Insight:
Life-giving words flow from sound doctrine.

POISON OF THE TONGUE
James 3:6; Romans 3:13

A. Destructive Fire – Words that burn relationships
B. Deceptive Influence – Lies disguised as truth
C. Devilish Origin – Satan is a liar
Dispensational Insight:
The flesh uses the tongue as a weapon.

PURPOSE OF GODLY SPEECH
Titus 2:7–8; 2 Corinthians 5:20

A. Sound Words – Healthy doctrine expressed
B. Sincere Witness – Gospel clarity
C. Spiritual Representation – Ambassadors for Christ
Dispensational Insight:
Our speech should reflect our position in Christ.

PAULINE PATTERN FOR TALK
Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6

A. Truth in Love – Balanced speech
B. Tasteful Words – Grace-seasoned conversation
C. Timely Answers – Wisdom applied
Dispensational Insight:
Paul never taught “positive confession,” but gracious communication.

PRACTICE OF SILENCE
Proverbs 17:28; Romans 14:19

A. Restrained Tongue – Knowing when not to speak
B. Respectful Listening – Valuing others
C. Relational Peace – Avoiding unnecessary conflict
Dispensational Insight:
Sometimes grace speaks loudest by silence.

POWER OF GOSPEL WORDS
Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Saving Message – Gospel gives life
B. Sure Foundation – Christ’s finished work
C. Spiritual Resurrection – New life in Christ
Dispensational Insight:
The greatest life-giving words are the Gospel of Grace.

PRODUCT OF RIGHTLY DIVIDED SPEECH
2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:2

A. Renewed Mind – Thought transformed
B. Refined Language – Speech aligned with truth
C. Righteous Living – Doctrine shaping behavior
Dispensational Insight:
Right doctrine produces right speech.

CONCLUSION — A TONGUE AT THE CROSSROADS

Your tongue can:
Spread life or sow destruction
Declare truth or distribute error
Honor Christ or gratify flesh
Romans 10:10 — “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

CALL TO ACTION — SPEAK GRACE

Examine your speech
Eliminate corrupt communication
Embrace grace-filled words
Exalt Christ in conversation
Let your words reflect your position in Christ, not your old nature.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Words reveal the heart
The tongue can destroy quickly
Encouragement produces life
Flesh uses speech as a weapon
Doctrine shapes dialogue
Grace seasons speech
Silence can be wisdom
The Gospel gives eternal life
Right division refines the tongue