Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. as charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26: 20-28, NKJV.
Merciful God, please teach us to do Your will and help us to walk in Your way. This is what we need, this is what we ask, knowing that our prayer is already answered in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen.
The tongue is not the smallest organ in the body, but the Word of God refers to it in the following terms: “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things” (James 3: 5a. See verses 2-12). You don’t see the tongue unless someone opens his or her mouth. You do not know how powerful it is, until, directed by the brain, it goes into action. It can work wonders of building up, or it can bring about destruction, by breaking down. Its ammunition is called words, and is triggered by the sentiments of the heart. Notice that the two organs that pull the trigger for the tongue are the life-lines of the body, the brain and the heart. A person can be declared dead when their brain stops sending out signals (brain dead), and, or, when the heart stops beating. As I have said before, and repeat today – in our words are life and death.
The tongue is responsible for more deaths than it is given credit for. Many lose courage and give up the will to live because someone said something that discouraged them. Many children and youth stop developing morally and emotionally, because someone “prophesied” against them, and they internalized, and fulfilled, the prophecy. So many people are fatal victims of slander or gossip. At school some children are slaughtered by ridicule, and, or, by the cruel words and actions of a bully. And sad to say, even in our homes, many a grave is dug by the harsh, unkind words, of the very ones who are supposed to build self-esteem and empower those who dwell within its walls.
No wonder we find the following declaration concerning our words: “See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (5b, 6). Emphasis provided.
But thanks be to God, there is hope – our words also have life-giving ability! “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25: 11, 12). Kind words add beauty and meaning to life. Our words can help to build a dream in the heart of a young person. They can make a spouse feel love and valued. When words of correction are spoken in love, and tactfully, and accepted as intended – souls are redeemed and rescued from all manner of evil.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15: 1a). In the same manner in which many souls are wounded, and some fatally, by the words of others, many a life has been saved because someone knew how to say the right thing at the right time! As in the story of David, Abigail, and Nabal, only eternity will tell how many lives were saved by a “soft answer[.]” (See 1 Samuel 25).
“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious” (Ecclesiastes 10: 12). The word gracious speaks to everything that is virtuous, compassionate, courteous, sympathetic, merciful, and kind. It takes wisdom from above to produce gracious words. People who are desirous of building others up, intentionally, speak gracious words. What a wonderful world this would be, if we would all determine to speak gracious words; to tell only the truth, and to be quiet if we did not have something kind and positive to say about someone. Imagine how many fires we would quench!