Proverbs 18:21 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Death and life are in the power of the tongue - This may apply to all men. Many have lost their lives by their tongue, and some have saved their lives by it: but it applies most forcibly to public pleaders; on many of their tongues hangs life or death.