The Power of Speech

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

I. Jacob’s Life in Canaan (37:1)

A Promise Keeping God- Gen. 28:13–15.

II. The Power of Speech can Bring Death- 37:2

A. The Background of Division

Sons of Bilhah and Zilpah (37:2; cf. 35:25–26)

Bilhah (Rachel’s servant, cf. 29:29)- Dan and Naphtali

Zilpah (Leah’s servant, cf. 29:24)- Gad and Asher

B. The Bad (or, Evil) Report

Num. 13:32; 14:36–37; Jer. 20:10; Eze. 36:3; Psalm 31:14; Prov. 10:18; and Pro. 25:10.

C. There is usually more involved than just our speech- 37:3–4

III. Wisdom is Needed for Life-Giving Speech- Prov. 25:11–15

Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

IV. The Holy Spirit EnablesLife-Giving Speech- –Col. 4:5–6; cf. Eph. 5:17–21