The tongue is mentioned frequently in the book of Proverbs, referring to one's speech. Proverbs dealing with appropriate (positive) uses of the tongue include: 10:19, 20; 11:12; 12:18, 25; 13:3; 15:2, 4; 17:28; 21:23; 25:15; and 31:26. Inappropriate (negative) usage of the tongue is seen in proverbs such as: 6:17, 24; 10:31; 12:19; 15:4; 17:4, 20; 21:6; 25:23; 26:28; and 28:23. Proverbs 18:21 reveals the power inherent in what we say: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
