The Dangerous Power Of The Tongue

Monday, December 23, 2024

In 1975, a court awarded $107,000 to compensate a family in the case of a man who was killed by slander. John Abercrombie, a retired Air Force colonel with a distinguished World War II combat record, was accused of stealing a can of Danish bacon worth 63 cents. He was later found innocent, but the accusation broke him. He grew depressed, and finally, his heart gave way, and he died. It bears out what the Bible says: 'death and life are in the power of the tongue.' Slander is a type of murder. When you speak words of slander, false accusation, hatred, criticism, discouragement, you're in possession of a dangerous weapon and you can actually kill somebody with it. Such words over days, weeks, months and years can break somebody's spirit; ultimately even take away their health and their life. Speak words of life, love, encouragement, compassion, and thanksgiving instead. For if words of hate bring death, words of life can raise the dead. Speak a new word of life today to somebody who needs it. For death and life are in the power of your tongue.

From Message #1123 - Shutting the Dragon's Mouth