June 15 – Wisdom in Words

Proverbs 18:21

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

SITREP:

Have you ever spoken words that you wish you could take back—or words that changed someone’s whole outlook? Words carry great power. Speak wisely, using your voice to build others up, not tear them down.

This proverb, written by Solomon, isn’t just philosophical musing—it’s tactical truth. In ancient times, kings commanded armies and determined fates with nothing more than their words. But the principle holds today. Whether spoken on the battlefield, at the dinner table, or in a moment of self-reflection—your words can breathe life or bring destruction.

Breaking Down the Verse:

"The tongue has the power of life and death…"
Words can heal or harm. One sentence can be a lifeline—or a grenade. You’ve seen the impact of a command on a mission. This is that—only for the heart.

"…and those who love it will eat its fruit."
If you respect your words, you'll taste their rewards. If you speak recklessly, you'll reap the damage. Your words don’t vanish—they grow into something. Make sure it’s fruit you want to eat.

How This Speaks to a Combat Veteran’s Faith:

In the military, you were trained to control your weapons—but not always your words. Yet both can wound. And both can save.

An order barked in chaos can save a team.

A careless insult in the barracks can start a fight that lasts for years.

A whispered prayer or word of encouragement to a broken brother can keep him from the edge.

Now that you’ve come home—or stepped into a new kind of war—your tongue still has weight. What you say to your spouse. Your kids. Your battle buddies. Yourself. Every word either adds armor or tears it away.

And maybe the most dangerous lies are the ones you tell yourself:

"I’m too far gone."

"I’m not worth fixing."

"They’d be better off without me."

God says otherwise.
He gives you a voice not just to speak truth—but to be it.

So speak life. To others. To yourself. Because your words might be the next soldier’s lifeline—or your own.

ENDEX:

You’ve learned how to wield a weapon with precision. Now it’s time to handle your words with the same care. Proverbs 18:21 reminds you that your tongue is powerful—speak with purpose. Speak life.

AAR:

Do you realize how much firepower your words carry? Proverbs 18:21 puts it bluntly: “The tongue has the power of life and death.” That’s not exaggeration—it’s a warning and a challenge. So here’s the hard look: have your words lately been building others up, or cutting them down? Have you used your voice to restore, or to retaliate? You’ve handled weapons—you know the weight of carrying something that can change the outcome in a second. Spiritually, your mouth is just as loaded. If you’ve been reckless with it, it’s time to take accountability. Life and death aren’t just things you face—they’re things you speak.

Carrying Your Words Like a Loaded Weapon

You’ve carried live rounds, cleared your weapon, and double-checked your target—because you understood the consequences of every shot. Proverbs 18:21 says your tongue deserves that same level of discipline. For the combat veteran, this verse reframes speech as an act of warfare: your words can heal or harm, rally or divide, bless or destroy. You’ve seen what careless communication can do in the field—it fractures trust and disrupts unity. Spiritually, it does even more damage. But when you speak with intention, with truth, with restraint, your words become a force for life. So check your tone. Confirm your target. And pull the trigger only when your words will leave behind something worth standing by. Your mouth isn’t empty—it’s armed. Use it like a soldier who knows what’s at stake.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.