Poison Or Fruit?

Kolly at nine months is fascinated by her tongue. Babies typically learn about their world by putting things in their mouths, and vocalizing to imitate sounds that others make in their presence is how they learn to talk.

Kolly sticks out her tongue at anyone who sticks theirs out in front of her. She clicks her tongue to make the sound others make and babbles when she’s excited.

She has a remarkable raspberry; she can spit with the best of them.

She’s not crazy about solid food. She’ll use her tongue to push it out and let it dribble down her chin.

Growing up, we all learn the value of our tongues. When we learn to talk, we say the words those say constantly around us, repeating like mina birds the sounds that tickle our ears. We say words before we ever know what they mean, which is why I’ve come up with a few sayings that are nonsensical enough to cause laughter and not problems.

Holy monkeys. Stop acting like a lemon wedge.

What we often forget is that, even though our tongues are small, they’re incredibly powerful. The words we say can be used for hope or weaponized for hurt. I can say things to encourage and uplift others or use words to level people if I’ve felt they’ve hurt, disappointed, or rejected me. The small size of the tongue has the power to impact others like a tiny rudder can turn a large ship. Our words have a huge influence.

I used to be proud of my sarcasm and quick wit–until I realized the word “sarcasm” comes from two Greek words meaning flesh-tearing. It’s what I’m capable of when I’m hurt.

I’m not proud of it.

King Solomon once said,

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit–you choose.” Proverbs 18:21

The things I say will always reflect the reality of my heart because I speak the things that fill my heart.

I long to be that person who can inspire and motivate others with good words.

“Kind words are like honey; sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24

I can learn how to speak well–with heart. It’s what I choose to fill my heart with that will make the difference.

Choosing Jesus gives me the power to speak with hope. And heart. Not empty, hurtful words.

Like Kolly, I have the capacity to learn.

If I’m willing to listen to truth. And hope.

12 responses to “Poison Or Fruit?”

  1. Great post, Dayle. Kolly is ADORABLE and your words are hopeful and life giving. 💛

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Ter. I’ve just been learning how easily I can eviscerate others with my words and not even know I’m doing it. Love you.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. “Kind words are like honey; sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 I take this as a lesson at a particularly challenging time in my life in my head. Thank you for posting❣️🙏🏽

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Well, sweet friend, I appreciate your comments. Kind words for me typically don’t come automatically–it’s a constant guarding of what I say. Thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I think we all have to be on guard for what we say. It is a resolution I am taking with the new year which has already been broken. You are not alone.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Hey Dayle i love this! This post is such a teachable moment for me, it’s so easy to drop into poison instead of fruit!

    I always thank God for you as i’m always uplifted by your words on my blogs! They always speak life and are sweet to my soul! 🙏 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Steve, you are the giver of kind words and grace. Your heart overflows with love for the Lord and people. I’m grateful to know you. Can you imagine how much fun heaven will be?

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Holy monkeys Dayle! What a coincidence. I’ve been working on a program about the power of words, or word choice more accurately. How very true they can be “poison or fruit” (I love that verse). When you wrote “I can learn how to speak well–with heart. It’s what I choose to fill my heart with that will make the difference” you have given us a great reminder that every word we speak is a conscious choice we make, that choice most often a reflection of how we live and how we love.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh, sweet Michael, you are a salve to my soul! How hard, though, to be conscious constantly about what we let creep into our hearts, what we allow to color our thoughts. Being on guard is wearing! But so necessary!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Being on guard is part of the human job description. I sometimes wish there was an easier way. I usually sometimes wish that after I let something sneak past my guard!
        Thank you for all your thoughtful and thought provoking posts 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  5. I always love your wisdom and sense of humor. Kolly will be one to teach us a lot in this life😂

    Like

    1. Kolly will always be a fun and funny teacher. She makes me smile, just being her.

      Liked by 1 person

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