Death and life are in the power of the tongue… Proverbs 18:21
Larry Crabb has written a helpful book called Encouragement: The Key to Caring.
Crabb says that early on he developed a problem with stuttering. He describes how the church he grew up in had a time of open prayer, and one Sunday morning Larry found the courage to lead a public prayer for the first time.
Filled less with worship than with nervousness, I found my theology becoming confused to the point of heresy. I remember thanking the Father for hanging on the cross, and praising Christ for triumphantly bringing the Spirit from the grave. Stuttering throughout, I finally thought of the word “Amen”… said it and sat down.
I recall staring at the floor too embarrassed to look around, and solemnly vowing never again to pray or speak aloud in front of a group. When the service was over I darted for the door…but I was not quick enough. An older Christian man named Jim Dunbar intercepted me, put his arm on my shoulder, and cleared his throat to speak.
I remember thinking to myself: Here it comes, oh well, just endure it and then get to the car. “Larry,” he said, “there’s one thing I want you to know. Whatever you do for the Lord, I’m behind you one thousand percent.”
Even as I write these words, my eyes fill with tears… Those words were life words. They had power. They reached deep into my being. My resolve never again to speak in public weakened instantly.
Your words matter because of the effect that they have on others, and the effect that they have on you. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Prov. 18:21).
What is an example from your life of a person speaking words of life to you?
