Power of Life and Death is In The Tongue | Proverbs 12:18

In this episode of The Matt Richardson Podcast, we break down one of the most powerful spiritual truths in Scripture: the power of the tongue.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue," and Proverbs 12:18 warns that words can either pierce like a sword or bring healing like medicine.

I open up about the painful reality of my past marriage and how our inability to speak life over one another destroyed our relationship. I share the deep pain of hearing my ex-wife tell me I wasn't a man while praising other men, and how I retaliated by speaking words of death back to her about her age and worth.

The result? Two people dying inside, a dead marriage, and a painful divorce.

I contrast this destruction with the profound impact of my parents, who consistently spoke words of life, belief, and grace over me—even when I was lost in a 14-year battle with addiction, strip clubs, and same-sex attraction.

We dive deep into Ezekiel 37 (The Valley of Dry Bones), where God commands Ezekiel to prophesy life and breath over a field of dead, dry bones. Whether in your marriage, with a rebellious child, in a struggling friendship, or in the way you speak to yourself in the mirror, this episode is a call to put away the sword of death, stop validating hopelessness, and start speaking God’s life and medicine over your dry bones.

What you’ll hear:

Proverbs 18:21 & 12:18: How words create either spiritual life or spiritual destruction.

The Death of a Marriage: How speaking insults and emasculation left both my ex-wife and me hollowed out.

The Power of Parental Words: How my parents spoke life and belief into me during my darkest addictions.

Ezekiel 37 Breakdown: Prophesying life over the "valley of dry bones" in your current circumstances.

Satan’s Tactic: How the enemy uses labels and peer teasing to plant lies about identity.

The 10-Day Challenge: How speaking pure life and affirmation over your spouse will transform your relationship.

If this message spoke to your heart, consider this channel a safe haven for your journey. We are here to bring you the hope, restoration, and real-life tools found only in Jesus Christ.