Parallel Verses to Proverbs 18:21 About the Tongue

Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" ^[1]. This verse highlights the significant impact of speech on both the speaker and others. The surrounding verses in Proverbs 18 discuss the importance of wise speech, the dangers of quarreling, and the value of humility.

Literary Context and Key Terms

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, and chapter 18 focuses on the themes of speech, relationships, and personal responsibility. The verse is part of a larger section that contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the consequences of one's words and actions. The key term "tongue" refers to the faculty of speech, which is seen as a powerful tool that can bring about either positive or negative outcomes ^[4].

Historical Setting and Interpretive Traditions

The historical setting of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was used to instruct individuals in the ways of righteousness. The verse has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. In Jewish tradition, Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, interprets the phrase "death and life are in the hand of the tongue" as a metaphorical expression, emphasizing that the tongue can kill or bring life, just like a hand ^{[8, 9, 10]}.

Parallel Verses and Interpretations

Several other biblical passages echo the sentiment of Proverbs 18:21. For example, Proverbs 12:18 states, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" ^[2]. Similarly, James 3:9-10 notes that the tongue can be used to both bless and curse. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides cross-references to other verses that discuss the power of speech, such as Proverbs 21:11, which warns against scorning or mocking others ^[3].

Exegetical Decisions and Range of Interpretations

The interpretation of Proverbs 18:21 hinges on understanding the "power of the tongue." Some commentators, like John Gill, emphasize the role of witnesses, judges, and teachers in bringing about life or death through their words ^[12]. Others, like Matthew Henry, highlight the personal consequences of one's speech, noting that a "foul tongue" can lead to one's own death or the death of others ^[11]. Rashi, a Jewish commentator, interprets "those who love it" as referring to individuals who love their tongue and use it for speaking words of Torah, thereby partaking in its reward ^[13].

Function in Tradition

Proverbs 18:21 has been used in various contexts throughout history. In Jewish tradition, the verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of using one's speech for good, such as studying Torah and speaking kindly ^{[5, 6, 7]}. In Christian tradition, the verse is often used to caution against the dangers of uncontrolled speech and to encourage wise and compassionate communication.

The impact of Proverbs 18:21 can be seen in its influence on later biblical writings and in its continued use in liturgical and devotional contexts. The verse serves as a reminder of the significant role that speech plays in shaping individual lives and communal relationships. As such, it remains a relevant and thought-provoking passage for readers seeking to understand the complexities of human communication.

Sources

Proverbs “Proverbs 18:21 (Rotherham) — Death and life, are in the power of the tongue, and, its friends, shall eat its fruits.”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Numbers 22:21 cross-references: Proverbs 1:15, Proverbs 28:18”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Proverbs 21:11 cross-references: Numbers 16:34, Deuteronomy 13:11, Deuteronomy 21:21, Psalms 64:7, Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 18:1, Proverbs 18:15, Proverbs 19:25, Acts 5:5, Acts 5:11, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Hebrews 2:1, Hebrews 10:28, Revelation 11:13”
Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 18:21: Death and life--or, the greatest evil and good. that love it--that is, the tongue, or its use for good or evil. eat . . . fruit--(Compare Pro 18:19; Jam 1:19).”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 68a.30:25: The Gemara further asks: But since it is written: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7), why do I need the verse: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), which merely teaches that a tongue can kill? The Gemara answers: This verse is necessary for a statement of Rava, as Rava says: One who wants life can attain it by means of his tongue, which he can use for speaking appropriately and studying Torah. One who wants death can also attain it by means of his tongue, by using it for inappropriate and malicious speech.”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 68b.30:25: The Gemara further asks: But since it is written: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7), why do I need the verse: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), which merely teaches that a tongue can kill? The Gemara answers: This verse is necessary for a statement of Rava, as Rava says: One who wants life can attain it by means of his tongue, which he can use for speaking appropriately and studying Torah. One who wants death can also attain it by means of his tongue, by using it for inappropriate and malicious speech.”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 15b.25: The Gemara further asks: But since it is written: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7), why do I need the verse: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), which merely teaches that a tongue can kill? The Gemara answers: This verse is necessary for a statement of Rava, as Rava says: One who wants life can attain it by means of his tongue, which he can use for speaking appropriately and studying Torah. One who wants death can also attain it by means of his tongue, by using it for inappropriate and malicious speech.”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 68a.30:22: Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, says: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Does the tongue have a hand? Rather the verse comes to tell you that just as a hand can kill, so too a tongue can kill. If you were to claim that just as the hand kills only from close by, so too the tongue kills only from close by, therefore the verse states: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7). The tongue kills like an arrow that is fired from a bow, at a great distance.”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 15b.22: Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, says: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Does the tongue have a hand? Rather the verse comes to tell you that just as a hand can kill, so too a tongue can kill. If you were to claim that just as the hand kills only from close by, so too the tongue kills only from close by, therefore the verse states: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7). The tongue kills like an arrow that is fired from a bow, at a great distance.”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 68b.30:22: Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, says: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Does the tongue have a hand? Rather the verse comes to tell you that just as a hand can kill, so too a tongue can kill. If you were to claim that just as the hand kills only from close by, so too the tongue kills only from close by, therefore the verse states: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7). The tongue kills like an arrow that is fired from a bow, at a great distance.”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:21: Note, 1. A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue. Many a one has been his own death by a foul tongue, or the death of others by a false tongue; and, on the contrary, many a one has saved his own life, or procured the comfort of it, by a prudent gentle tongue, and saved the lives of others by a seasonable testimony or intercession for them. And, if by our words we must be justified or condemned, death and life are, no doubt, in the power of the tongue. Tongues were Aes”
Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue,.... Of witnesses, according to the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass; of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by their well or ill speaking, bring death or life to themselves and others. Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent intercession, secure or obtain life for themselves and others; yea, judgment a”
Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 18:21: and those who love it will eat its produce He who loves his tongue and accustoms it to [speaking words of] Torah, partakes of its reward in this world.”

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