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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and slightly sobering verse from Proverbs 18:21. It’s a really insightful message about how our words – especially those spoken with anger or malice – can have a powerful impact on our lives and others. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Meaning: This verse essentially says that our words have power over us. It’s not just any words, but the way we say them. If we speak with kindness, love, and compassion, those words will lead to good things for us. But if we speak with harshness, anger, or bitterness, those words will cause harm – potentially even hurting ourselves. Let's unpack it further: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” This is a metaphor. "Tongue" refers to our words, speech, and how we communicate. "...and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." This is the key part. “Eating the fruit” means experiencing the results of our words. If we speak with love and kindness, we’ll reap a good harvest – happiness, peace, fulfillment, and maybe even blessings. But if we speak with negativity or malice, we'll experience suffering, pain, and regret. What does it mean practically? Kindness is powerful: Proverbs 18:21 encourages us to choose kindness and compassion in our words. Words can wound deeply: It warns us against speaking harsh or hurtful things because those words can have a lasting negative impact on ourselves and others. We are responsible for our speech: It’s not just what we say, but how we say it. In essence, the verse is a call to mindful communication – to use our words with care and consideration because they can have profound consequences. Can I help you explore this verse further? Would you like me to: Explain another part of Proverbs 18:21? Discuss how this verse relates to specific situations in life (like conflict, forgiveness, or relationships)?