It Is Placed There for a Reason! (Proverbs 18:21-22)

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

This familiar verse reminds me of God’s favor in my life by blessing me with my wife. This morning, the Holy Spirit riveted my attention to this verse right before it.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)

It is placed there for a reason! So much of my relationship with my wife hinges upon how we verbally communicate. At times, I do not do this very well in spite of my best intentions, and it grieves me. It grieves God as well. He knew when He created me that my tongue will both bless and curse my wife. This is why these two verses are placed together.

Rightly did James remind us of this truth.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-8 (ESV)

No human being can tame the tongue! So much marital strife is caused by a harsh or misplaced word or phase. I want to chose life, to encourage and support my wife in her walk with God and in our marriage. This is how I obtain favor from God. Only God can tame my tongue and I need to continually seek His control over all of my communication with my wife.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.