The Powerful Tongue

The most powerful muscle in the body is the tongue. Again and again the word of God advises us of the tongue’s tremendous potential for good and evil. There is no hyperbole in scripture’s pronouncement that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21). Let’s briefly consider the positive and negative impact our words can have in our lives and the lives of
others.

Much is said in scripture about our propensity to do damage with our words and the difficulty of controlling our tongues. “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…No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:5-8). “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a popular ditty, but simply untrue. Hurtful speech can penetrate “like the piercings of a sword” (Prov. 12:18). A thoughtless remark uttered in a moment can cause wounds that last a lifetime. There is no way to measure the harm we can do to another with our words.

Our big mouths can not only be destructive to others, but to ourselves. We are warned therefore, “let your words be few,” (Ecc. 5:2) and to be “slow to speak” (James 1:19). How many times have we spoken our minds, only later to regret the trouble we could have avoided if we had kept our mouths shut. “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Prov. 13:3). We do well to remember: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23).

The tongue can destroy, but it also can save. Our words can bring others life. “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (10:11).” By imparting wisdom or offering encouragement, what we say can bring comfort, healing and even salvation. When we speak cheerfully, positively and sympathetically, our words create an emotionally healthy atmosphere that bathes others in a soothing warmth of goodness. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb; Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (16:24).

A well-timed, thoughtful word of encouragement can rescue a troubled soul from the brink of despair and set him aright again. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad” (12:25).^“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (25:11). “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit…. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
(15:4, 23f).

Carefully measuring our words and speaking gently can disarm aggression and diffuse tension, preventing hostility. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1).

Our words can change lives and alter the course of the world. Be mindful of the great blessing that kind, complimentary, compassionate and loving words can be to others. Never underestimate the positive power of the tongue to strengthen and encourage; use that power to bless your family, your brethren, your neighbors, your children, your co-workers, and see what a difference the tongue can make. ›

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ declared: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). There are two misconceptions commonly connected with this passage.

First, the nature of meekness is misunderstood. Second, some contend that the verse speaks of a future, eternal abode upon the earth. To many, “meekness” suggests the idea of passivity, someone who is easily imposed upon, spinelessness, weakness. Since Jesus declared Himself to be meek (Matthew 11:29), some perceive Him as a sissy-type character.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In the Greek New Testament, “meek” is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength brought under control. The ancient Greeks employed the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle.

In the biblical sense, therefore, it describes one who has channeled his strengths into the service of God. Underline the word in Matthew 5:5, and in the margin of your Bible write: See Numbers 12:3; Zephaniah 2:3. The former passage describes Moses as the meekest man on earth—certainly no weakling; the latter verse declares that the meek of the earth are those who have kept Jehovah’s ordinances. The meek person submits to God!

As to the expression “inherit the earth,” the following facts should be noted:

(2) Those who obey Christ become children of God (Galatians 3:27; Hebrews 5:9), and “joint-heirs” with the Lord (Romans 8:17).

(3) The Father supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19), we therefore enjoy this earth and its blessings more than all others.

(4) Mainly, however, our inheritance is spiritual (Acts 20:32); we are heirs in the kingdom of Christ (Ephesians 5:5), and citizenship in that kingdom is available now on this earth (cf. John 3:3-5; Colossians 1:13).

(5) Finally, we also look for an inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), because we are aware that the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns (2 Peter 3:10).

Thus, underline “inherit the earth,” and make some appropriate notations in your margin.