Smoother Sailing Article – The Tongue
By Pastor Barry Black
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure
and stedfast.” Hebrews 6.19
Have you ever thought something and then said, “Well, I've
thought it, so I might as well say it”? Well, that might
just be something to which we should give a little more
thought. Words are quite powerful. The difficulty in
managing our tongue is something that we all deal with. We
read in James 3.1-12 that the tongue is compared
to a horse’s bit, a ship rudder, fire, an untamed animal,
deadly poison, and a fountain. In this article, we will see
several scripture passages and quotes from others about the
tongue. Proverbs has much to say about the subject, and in
Proverbs 18.21 we read: “Death and life are in
the power of the tongue…”
“Absolutely
abominable!”
In Proverbs 6.16-19
Solomon tells us seven things that are abominable in the
sight of God. Of those seven, look closely at those related
to the tongue:
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea seven are
an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that
deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running
to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he
that soweth discord among brethren.
Two of these mention the tongue directly
(“a lying tongue…a false witness that speaketh
lies”), one implies a sin of the tongue (“sowing
discord among brethren”). Three of the seven refer to
the tongue. Therefore, we can conclude that sins of the
tongue are very serious in the eyes of God.
“Liar,
liar!”
Let’s look at these. Of the
three that refer to the tongue, two of those address the
sin of lying. Scripture has much to say concerning lying
and deception:
Exodus 20.16 “Thou shalt not bear false witness against
thy neighbour.”
Exodus 23.1 “thou shalt not raise a false report: put not
thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”
Proverbs 12.17 “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth
righteousness: but a false witness deceit.”
Proverbs 14.5 “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false
witness will utter lies.”
Proverbs 19.5 “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and
he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
Ephesians 4.25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every
man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of
another.”
Colossians 3.9 “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have
put off the old man (i.e. old nature) with his deeds.”
Lies cannot change the truth, no matter who tells the lies
or how often those lies are told. Perhaps from a practical
viewpoint one of the reasons God hates sins of the tongue
is the fact that although they can certainly be forgiven
(1 John 1.9); forgiveness likely will not erase
the consequences that follow, including the damage that may
ensue.
“Are you causing
trouble again?”
The last of the seven
abominations in Proverbs 6 is, “he that soweth discord
among brethren”. How is discord sown? Very simply,
discord is sown by the tongue; and usually by lies that are
told (sometimes told very subtly).
“Sin has many tools, but
a lie is the handle that fits them all.”
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
God hates discord (Proverbs
6.19). Paul addresses the problem in Galatians
5.19-21. In verse 20, Paul uses at least 4 words to
describe those who sow discord (source:
blueletterbible.org):
“variance” – contention, strife
“emulations – envious and contentious, rivalry, jealousy
“strife” – electioneering, intriguing for office, a desire
to put one’s self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit.
“seditions” – dissension, division
Each of these sins is known as “works of the
flesh” (Galatians 5.19). In other words,
these are deeds (i.e. sins) of our sin nature. These deeds
are “natural” for the unsaved person, and also the result
of carnal living (failure to walk in the Spirit) by a
Christian.
Solomon says it this way:
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there
is a burning fire. A forward man soweth strife: and a
whisperer separateth chief friends.” - Proverbs
16.27,28
“Anyone who loves his opinions more than he does his
brethren will defend his opinions and destroy his
brethren.” – Author unknown.
“Ouch…that hurt!”
You probably remember the old
adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words
will never hurt me”. That is simply not true. In fact,
the writer of Proverbs said it this way:
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go
down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 18.8
“In the multitude of words, there wanteth not sin: but he
that refraineth his lips is wise." Proverbs 10.19
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:
and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of
understanding.” Proverbs 17.28
Or as one sage put it, "As a person grows older and
wiser, he talks less and says more." Or in a more
humorous way, but equally true: “Better to remain
silent and be thought foolish than to speak and remove all
doubt.”
Here is something to think about: whoever gossips to
you will gossip about you.
“I heard a
rumor”
I once read a quote which has
been attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt (source:
brainyquote.com). It goes something like:
Great minds discuss ideas
Mediocre minds discuss events
Small minds discuss people
Wow, that certainly rings true; especially when you look at
most of what is considered “news” on television, the
internet, and newspapers. People so easily become consumed
with celebrities and pop “stars” and all the latest “news”
which is mostly gossip. The same is often true in the
workplace, places of worship, or among friends. Gossip and
rumors make for alluring conversation. Some people thrive
on it. It is just as much of a temptation as any other sin.
“Bite your
tongue!”
A few years ago, I came across
an interesting piece that I would like to share with you.
If we took this to heart, it would make quite a difference
as we learn to watch our tongue:
In 1752, a group of Methodist men, including John
Wesley, signed a covenant which every man agreed to hang on
his study wall. The six articles of this solemn agreement
were as follows:
1.That we will not listen or willingly inquire after ill
concerning another.
2.That, if we do hear any ill of each other, we will not be
forward (inclined) to believe it.
3.That as soon as possible we will communicate what we hear
by speaking or writing to the person concerned.
4.That until we have done this, we will not write or speak
a syllable of it to any other person.
5.That neither will we mention it, after we have done this,
to any other person.
6.That we will not make any exception to any of these rules
unless we think ourselves absolutely obliged in the
conference.
What a difference it would make if we lived by this
covenant. Imagine all the hurt feelings that would be
avoided. Imagine all the relationships that may be
salvaged. Imagine the churches that would be stronger and
more effective for the cause of Christ.
Barry D. Black is Pastor of Anchor Bible Church
Their website is: www.anchorbible.org
Barry’s e-mail address is: barry@anchorbible.org