Galatians 6:7 (KJV) states, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This verse underscores the principle that our actions have consequences, and we will ultimately reap what we sow. This concept extends beyond physical actions to the words we speak, as the Bible also emphasizes the power and impact of our language.
Death and Life Are in the Power of the Tongue
Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” This verse highlights the significant influence of our words. Our speech can bring life, encouragement, and healing, or it can cause harm, destruction, and death. The fruits we reap from our words are a direct result of what we sow through our speech.
From Out of the Heart the Mouth Speaks
Luke 6:45 – “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” This verse emphasizes that our words reflect the condition of our hearts. What we speak reveals our inner thoughts and attitudes, further illustrating the principle of sowing and reaping.
Where Your Treasure Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also
Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” This verse points out that our priorities and values are closely tied to our hearts. What we cherish and hold dear will be evident in our actions and words. If our hearts are set on good things, our speech and actions will reflect that, leading to positive outcomes.
The Proper Use of Language and Its Consequences
Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” This verse encourages believers to use their words constructively, to build up and encourage others. The proper use of language is a way to sow good seeds that will yield positive results.
James 3:5-6 – “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” This passage warns about the potential dangers of the tongue. Although small, it can cause significant harm if not controlled, illustrating the negative consequences of improper language.
Proverbs 12:18 – “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” This verse contrasts harmful speech, which can wound like a sword, with wise and beneficial speech, which promotes health and healing.
Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” This verse highlights how gentle and kind words can defuse anger and conflict, while harsh words can escalate tensions and provoke negative reactions.
Sowing and Reaping in Speech and Actions
The Bible consistently teaches that both our actions and our words have significant consequences. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that we will reap what we sow, a principle that applies equally to our speech as to our deeds. Proverbs 18:21 and Luke 6:45 emphasize the power of the tongue and the way our words reveal our inner selves. Matthew 6:21 shows that our hearts guide our actions and words, while Ephesians 4:29, James 3:5-6, Proverbs 12:18, and Proverbs 15:1 instruct us on the proper use of language and the potential consequences of our speech.
By understanding and applying these biblical principles, we can strive to use our words and actions to sow seeds of life, encouragement, and righteousness, reaping a harvest of positive and godly outcomes in our lives and the lives of others.