The Power of the Tongue

There are not very many people who at some time or another have not experienced pain, hurt, shame, or disgrace, as a result of a person or group of persons’ careless and sometimes deliberate use of an unbridled tongue. Characters have been assassinated, reputations destroyed, spirits broken, lifelong friendships ruined, and seemingly irrepairable damage have been done by some members in the family of God.

I remain fully convinced that the Body of Christ, generally speaking, have yet to fully understand the power of the tongue. In this context it is not so much the use of the tongue as an instrument of praise and worship, but moreso its use as an instrument of evil. Among the Body of Christ, this “two-ounce slab of muscle, mucous membrane, and nerves”, often times frame deceit (Ps. 50:19), devises destruction (Ps. 52:2), devours (Ps. 52:4), is a sharp sword (Ps. 57:4), breaks bones (Prov. 25:15), backbites (Prov. 25:23), flatters (Prov. 18:23), and poisons (Rom. 3:13).

The unfortunate thing is that the tongue is simply an instrument that is used. It does not think, nor devise evil, and by itself it really does absolutely nothing. Yet, in the same way that with a bit, a rider can control the body of a horse, and with a rudder, a captain can determine the course of a ship, so it is that the tongue nestled in our mouths control the direction of our lives. It is the owner or master of the tongue that determines how it is used. The tongue basically reflects the contents of the owner’s heart. Jesus states, “Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man…But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies [slanders]” (Matt 15:11, 18-19). It stands to reason therefore, that the things we say is often a reflection of the things in the heart. No wonder Solomon admonishes us to “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

It is not cool to gossip, or slander, or to destroy another person’s character or reputation. Such behaviors cannot be excused and among the Body of Christ it should not be present. Where it exists, it is my prayer that you will realize that stomping it out starts with you. If we all resolve to not be a part of it, those who choose to delight in the downfall and plight of others, as well as those taking delight in tearing down and cursing others, will soon find themselves all alone with what is left, if anything, of their consciences.

May God grant us the grace to bridle our tongues, and may that which comes out from our hearts be wholesome, edifying, and pleasing unto our God.