Proverbs 18:21 Explained: Why Your Tongue is a Tool for Creation or Destruction – Valentine’s Day Devotional
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 42
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Devotional
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death…”
Mental Health Insight – We all have moments where we feel as if we are about to snap. But even if our anger is justified we still have to find a way to speak life into the situation. Anger is not a bad emotion. In fact, our Heavenly Father expresses anger throughout entire scripture. However, the way we express this anger plays a significant role. Let’s educate ourselves on what it looks like to slow down our tongue in those high emotional situations to not only honor God but yourself as well.
The 3-Step Speaking Life:
- Stop the “Hard” Emotion: Notice if you are about to criticize or snap.
- Find the “Bruised” Part: Ask yourself, “What am I actually feeling underneath this? Is it fear? Rejection? Fatigue?”
- Share the Soft Emotion: Use an “I-Statement” to invite the other person in.
The Script: “I’m noticing I’m feeling a little bit like a ‘bruised reed’ today. I’m feeling [Soft Emotion: e.g., overwhelmed/lonely], and what I really need is [Need: e.g., a hug/a quiet night in].”
Faith Connection – The entire universe was created by God’s Words. And since we are created in His image our words have power as well. We have the capability to create a sense of love and belonging with those in our life or the ability to destroy them. When we are choosing to speak life into someone despite the emotions surrounding the conversation, we have the opportunity to display the beauty of God’s creation.
Reflection Questions: Think of a person in your life who seems “crushed.” How could you speak life into them today?
Prayer Dear God, thank You for the power of Your Word that brings me life. Help me to be mindful of the power in my own tongue today. Let my words be a source of life and belonging for those I encounter. May I use my speech to build up rather than tear down. Amen
Additional Resources
Book Recommendations: I have received a few inquiries from individuals asking to get more information surrounding the devotional topics! If you are interested in learning more about today’s topic I have a great book recommendation below.
Keep Your Love On: Danny Silk
Description: Danny Silk focuses on maintaining connection during high stress or conflict. He explains how our words can either build a bridge or a wall depending on whether we speak from fear or from love. This book provides a practical framework for identifying the bruised parts of our hearts that often drive anger. By learning to communicate with vulnerability and use I statements, readers can move away from reactive snapping and toward speaking life into their relationships. It serves as a guide for anyone who wants to create a safe environment where love and belonging can thrive even during difficult conversations.
Want To Further Your Mental Health Journey? You can actually start reading the many book recommendations on this blog for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Grab a [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial here] or [Get 3 months of Audible for just $0.99/mo] to unlock this title and thousands of other mental health tools, instantly on your phone or tablet. (Note: Kindle Unlimited selection varies over time; check the product page for current eligibility.)
Closing Thoughts
You have completed Day 42 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge! How are you loving this month’s theme of love! I absolutely love the month of February and we are 42 days strong! How cool is that? Keep up the great work you wonderful souls!
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I hope you all have the best and most blessed day!
Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student
Disclaimer
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
This was really good. 🤍
This devotional reminds me to pay close attention to what comes out of my mouth unless its encouraging and positive of course
Thank you for sharing Day 42 that focuses on slowing our tongue down. The skill you added will be benefiting for my own life.
By the end of the night I feel tired, overwhelmed, and mentally drained. Recognizing my emotion, find the bruised spot, and using an “I statement” will help my family not feel like they are the issue.
I love your entries.very inspiring.
I think it’s also important to pay closer attention to the words we speak to ourselves! For they also have the power to breathe life or destroy. Yesterday I found myself thinking about this very thing, and I asked myself, “How would God speak to me?”
Thank you for such a thoughtful post!
Your tongue and lead you down a path of intimacy with God or can be a downfall as the words that come off our tongue can also do damage
Holding our tongue while hard is also so important when we are not being very encouraging. We don’t want to speak poorly of ourselves or others. We also don’t want to ruin relationships for minute feelings. Especially when they fade but the word stays.