The Fruit Your Lips Leave Behind
My dear son,
Words leave something behind, just as a tree produces fruit. A single sentence you offer may strengthen someone for a long time. I would be glad to see words that cherish life growing on your lips.
Speech can help someone live or cause deep pain, so use its power with care. Recognize the effort of those near you and communicate necessary facts honestly. As I call you tenderly, speak of your neighbors as people of worth.
If there are words we can rejoice in tonight, tell me. Correct what needs correction truthfully. I am sending this letter with the hope that my child will share good fruit through both words and heart.
With all my love,
Your Father
Proverbs 18:20–21
WEB20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
A short reflection
Proverbs describes the consequences of speech as fruit and declares that death and life are in the tongue's power, emphasizing its real effects and responsibility.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter