The Power to "Plug" into

Q: "How can we plug into God`s power in conjunction with the scripture of Prov 18:12, "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits?"

A: I believe the scripture you are asking about is Proverbs 18:21, not Proverbs 18:12. It is difficult to determine what you mean by plugging into "God's power." Your question sounds like it originates with those involved with the Charismatic movement. There is not any "power" that Christians can "plug" into as far as it pertains to speaking things into existence, as some Christians teach. This passage from Proverbs is simply talking about the persuasive abilities the things we say can have on those around us. Just think about your own life experience. Has anybody ever said they loved you? Have you ever told anybody you loved them? What was your reaction? What was their reaction? Most likely it produced encouraging feelings. Conversely, have you ever told someone you hated them? Has anyone ever told you they hated you? What was the reaction produced by those words? Again, hearing those words produces feelings of negativity and even anger. That is what is meant by this verse from Proverbs. The words we say have the ability, power, to produce life, positive feelings, or death, negative feelings.

Because of the power our words have on the psyche of others the Bible instructs us in many places to be weary of what we say, when we say it and even if we should say it at all. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19)." Most often we speak without thinking beforehand. Our words are directed by our emotions rather than clear thoughts. And once we say something the damage is done. As an example of this, take a look at some of these political talk shows you see on radio and cable television. There drawing card is the volatility often produced by pairing two people on opposite sides of the issues and letting them verbally spar over the topics. Usually, the only thing that happens is both people end up arguing, talking over each other, calling each other names and nothing gets settled. But, I guess it makes for good programming. We have all been there in our own lives. Sometimes, we are often more interested in "winning" an argument then coming to any sort of agreement. Unfortunately, before that argument ends we have said things, and had things said to us, that hurt and cannot be taken back.

Jesus said, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander (Matthew 15:18-19)." Do you see how "powerful" the tongue can be? The things we say can change lives. As Jesus clearly stated, the things that come from our mouth originate in our heart. And what is contained in our heart? The prophet Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it (Jeremiah 17:9)?" The connection between the heart and the tongue is unbreakable. Personally, I believe that is where the power comes from that you alluded to in your question. The words we say have there biggest effect if the person receiving those words believe them to be true. If someone cares about your opinion, your words are thought to be coming from your heart. If that person desires your acceptance and craves your guidance that which you say to them is thought to be how you really feel. Therefore, it is important to think before we speak. The deceitfulness of our hearts only proves how much we need to trust and rely on the Lord to guide us in the things we say.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9)." Confess with your mouth. Believe in your heart. Again, there is the connection between the tongue and the heart given as an example of what a Christian does when they are saved. Saving faith in Jesus Christ changes your heart. And when your heart changes, eventually what you say will change as well. The power you seek to "plug" into is simply allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you into an understanding of who you are in Christ and all that you have been given through faith in Him. As you begin to see all that God has done for you there will be no alternative, but to be humbled to the point of thankfulness. That humility extends from the changed heart. And as you walk with the Lord you will begin to bear His fruit in the things you say. You won't talk too much (Proverbs 10:8). You will keep a tight reign on your tongue (James 1:26). You will be the wise person who uses few words (Proverbs 17:27). You will praise God with your speech (Hebrews 13:15). And because the Lord is working in you others will find it difficult to say anything bad about you (Titus 2:8). The power to "plug" into is the power of God to change your life. Be blessed.