Have you ever heard someone quote Proverbs 18:21 and claim that our health is dependent on the words we speak?
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
It's true that in certain situations, our words can have the power of life and death. A false witness can tell lies that have someone imprisoned or executed. A doctor can prescribe drugs that kill the patient.(1)
But Some people teach that Proverbs 18:21 means that we will be healed if we proclaim we'll be healed and will remain sick if we proclaim that we're sick.
Not true. Our words do not have that kind of power.
Proverbs are wise sayings, but they are not promises unless they are stated as promises elsewhere in Scripture. And no other passage in Scripture attributes man's words with absolute power to bring healing or sickness, life or death.(2)
In fact, James three devotes 18 verses to the power of the tongue, but never addresses physical sickness, healing, or death.
We can pray for another person's healing, and if it's God's will, they will be healed. But it's not our words that heal them. It's God's power and purposes.
Words are powerful. They express love, hate, kindness, hypocritical judgment, truth, or lies. They can encourage or discourage. But Scripture doesn't support the belief that human words cause sickness and death or healing and life.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. English Standard Version
ReplyDeleteHi AO,
DeleteThe Scripture you quote speaks of salvation - a wonderful promise.
And it makes it clear that it's not simply words that save us but heartfelt belief in the work of Jesus as Savior and Lord.
I praise God everyday that He has saved me.
This devotion, however, speaks of physical sickness and physical death (note this clarification in the first paragraph).
God bless you,
Gail
:) God bless you too.
ReplyDelete