"The Tongue" is used throughout Scripture in both literal and metaphorical ways, particularly in Psalms, James and Proverbs. The tongue is a “small part of the body” (James 3:5), yet we read in Proverbs 18:21 that it “has the power of life and death.” Occasionally when the Bible mentions the tongue it is often a reference to the spoken word. This special figure of speech is called metonym, in which one word stands in for another, closely related word. This is a common paradigm of metonym : “The White House issued a statement.” Of course, the White House refers to the President, who resides there. In the same way, when Proverbs 15:4 states, “A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit,” tongue is a metonym. Obviously, a literal, fleshly tongue cannot crush the human spirit, but the WORDS it produces certainly can. Spiritual Death: The words our tongues produce have eternal implications, for it reveals what our hearts contain. Jesus said that “the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:35). So be sure to guard your eyes and ears from all evil. Isaiah places words on par with actions for displaying a sinful and unrighteous heart (Isaiah 59:2,3). “Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). In and of ourselves, we are utterly unable to “tame the tongue” because “it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). A tongue under control is a mark of the Spirit’s power. Apart from accepting Jesus’ atonement on the cross, we will be judged according to our words: “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Emotional Death: Our emotions are extremely susceptible to injury. James describes the tongue as “a fire” (James 3:6) – and who has not been burned by it? Proverbs 15:4 describes a “healing” tongue as “a tree of life.” Encouragement often comes through spoken words. So does discouragement. “Reckless words pierce like a sword” (Proverbs 12:18). I think we all agree that speech contains enormous implications, especially as a vehicle for sharing the gospel (Romans 10:14). Therefore, we are commanded to control the tongue, to “keep [it] from evil and your lips from speaking lies” (Psalm 34:13). A Christian’s speech should consistently honor the Lord: with the tongue “we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should NOT be” (James 3:9-10).
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:09:53 +0000
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