Bible Thoughts

December 29, 2002

The third chapter of the book of James has much to say concerning the proper use of the tongue. A number of illustrations serve to warn us into a careful use of the same. As the horse, the tongue needs a bridle. Just as the rudder controls the ship, so the tongue, even though small "boasteth great things." Much wood is kindled by the small fire that, too often, comes from the tongue. Any who would study these verses and reflect upon them(in the light of one's own conduct), can see the truth of these teachings.

When a person learns to control the tongue, he can master control of the whole body. Such a tiny member can be an index to a person's heart. When one's tongue is misbehaving, it is due to the condition of a person's heart(Matthew 12:34). When the heart is in full submission to the will of the Lord, the tongue is kept under proper control.

The power to build up or tear down is within the power of the tongue. One word, one insinuation, one suggestion, or one reflection can destroy what it has taken years to build up. James said, "It is full of restless evil, it is full of deadly poison"(James 3:8). The venom spewed by an uncontrolled tongue has been felt by good men from the time our foreparents sinned in the garden of Eden.

The lives of those who are members of the church are not untouched by the poison spread by an ungoverned tongue. Sometimes they are guilty; sometimes they are the object of a slander. In either case, such ought not to be. To be a party to sinful acts with the tongue will cause one to fall out of favor with God. For one to be the object of such wickedness is to realize that someone is not walking in the light.

The Lord was affected by the wicked speech of men. When he came to lead the lost sheep of Israel, they falsely accused him of being "a gluttonous man and a winebibber"(Matthew 11:19). In spite of the lack of proof in such a charge, there was no doubt that some would accept and believe the falsehood. The accusers accepted such because they did not agree with the Lord's teachings and purposes. Today, it is not surprising to find men who do not follow the Lord's way speaking that which is not true concerning the followers of Jesus Christ.

The poisonous venom that is spread by the tongue often comes in three categories: lying, misrepresentations, and gossip. These evil darts are often hurled by people who are completely unaware of being so used. On the other hand, when people have been informed concerning such behavior and knowingly continue in such activities, Satan is given cause for rejoicing(James 3:6). In order to understand the terrible nature of such transgressions, note the following:

1. Those who willfully misinform people are guilty of the sin of lying. While it is possible to be mistaken concerning a matter and unknowingly give misinformation, the liar tells something that is not true, fully conscious of his act. The brethren at Ephesus were encouraged to put away "falsehood" and speak "truth each one with his neighbor"(4:15). Let each of us be careful to check the facts before we spread some "I heard" about a brother or sister. When we are brought face to face with the fact that "liars" will have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone(Revelation 20:8), we should be sure we are telling the truth.

2. Misrepresentation is a type of falsehood. It is simply giving a slant to a matter that is not true or was not intended by the author of the statement. There is nothing bad about representing a person's position so long as the representation is true. It is much easier to invent an issue and fight a battle on such grounds than it is to face facts. Perhaps this is the case of so many statements that are said to be believed by someone of which the person is unconscious and even denies. Paul had to write that it was slanderously reported that they were saying, "Let us do evil, that good may come?"(Romans 3:8). If people would misrepresent an apostle is it any surprise when Christians and gospel preachers are misrepresented today?

During the battle over institutionalism, there were those who said that faithful disciples "did not believe in caring for orphans." Such a statement was not just a misrepresentation, it was a falsehood. Those who use the instrument in worship have said that Christians do not believe in music. Such a statement is the lack of knowledge that singing is music(the only kind authorized in worship). It behooves those who claim to follow the Lord to get the facts straight before they make unfounded charges. Such is also true in relationships with individuals: just seek the truth and accept only the facts.

In the minds of some, it is much easier to believe something bad about those with whom one disagrees than those with whom one is in sympathy. We readily accept a circulated report about someone whom we dislike rather than one who is a friend. Such provides fertile ground for gossip.

There are three parties that lend support to gossip: Those who originate it, those who listen to it, and those who circulate it. The one who would invent a falsehood or twist the truth in order to tell something on someone is corrupted in heart and needs to repent, asking forgiveness of the wounded party, and pray to God to be forgiven. Those who listen to gossip need to cease giving a receptive ear to such iniquity and stop such before it goes any further. The person who circulates gossip is the one who keeps it alive. If no one repeated what the originator had to say, it would die for lack of encouragement. Some people seem to gain a great deal of satisfaction in hearing and spreading some whispering campaign against others. An eternity of regret can be reaped by such action.

Many decent folks have been hurt, financially and otherwise, because of the circulation of rumors that proved to be untrue. An old saying has given encouragement to some in repeating unfounded stories. It is: "Where there is smoke, there is bound to be fire." Such a statement is obviously false in the case when they accused Christ or slandered Paul.

In all that we do and say, let each of us always tell the truth in whatever matter in which we are dealing. It is better to say nothing than to speak words that are not true or tend to always tear down. Our speech should build up our brethren(and others) in the light of truth and honor.

"For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind; but the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison"(James 3:7-8).