This is one of the most important statements in all of Proverbs. The tongue is not a neutral tool — it carries the capacity to bring life (encouragement, truth, blessing, Gospel proclamation) or death (destruction, lies, cruelty, despair). 'They that love it' — those who invest in words, who live by speech — will bear the full weight of their consequences. James 3 unpacks this in the New Testament.
Memory phrase: Words give life or death.
Talk about it: How can words bring life to someone who is hurting?
Prayer: God, let my words bring life and never death.