In relation to size, the strongest muscle in human body is the tongue. However, despite being a strong muscle, it is flexible as well, enabling us to handle it easily. More than 3000 taste sensors line the top of our tongue that facilitate sensing different tastes. It is because of them that we can differentiate between sweet, bitter and the many tastes of food. Moreover, just as everyone has unique finger prints, each tongue has a unique print. Some of us must have noticed that if we incur a wound in our tongue, it cures pretty quickly. Indeed, tongue is said to be the fastest healing organ in human body. Tongue, not only has such special qualities but it is also very important in our spiritual lives. James says the following, while talking about the tongue – ‘Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless’ (James 1:26). In this issue, we are going to find out why James gives this much importance to the tongue. The reason is simple: Tongue is very powerful. A Christian can use his tongue and all its power for right reasons but at the same time for wrong reasons as well. Let us see how we should not use our tongue.
(3) The most common evil that many do with their tongues is lying. Paul says clearly that one should not lie – ‘Do not lie to each other’ (Colossians 3:9). Sometimes lying can look like inconsequential. Truly, being followers of Christ, we will not be involved or atleast hesitant to be involved in big, harm inducing lies. However, sometimes we may wonder what is wrong in small lies that we think may cause no harm. We might think what is wrong in telling small lies in our offices or with friends or with even brethren for the sake of small, harmless comforts. What we need to keep in mind is that, the fall of mankind itself was caused by a small lie told by Satan to Eve. Satan’s small lie that she will not die if she ate a fruit is the reason for the present fallen state of mankind (Genesis 3:1-4). That is the reason Jesus calls Satan as the father of lies (John 8:44). Truly, if we are liars then God is not our father but we become children of Satan – ‘You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies’ (John 8:44). Hence, if we are to be children of God, we should not be liars, no matter what the situation is. Some may be businessmen and think that in the world of business, it is not possible to be fully truthful and avoid small lies. In the same way, some others may also feel that in their chosen means of livelihood, being fully truthful is not possible. If such people feel that without being fully truthful, they cannot continue in a particular business or profession, then being Christians they have no option but to let go of that business or profession. They should not justify their lies by arguing that it is the norm of that business and everyone does it. Just because some people of the world lie without hindrance and thus make it a norm in a particular business, lie does not become acceptable. We should remember the end of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, because of his lying. For curing the leprosy of Naaman, Elisha did not want to get any money or goods as price (2 Kings 5:20). But, Gehazi who was a servant of Elisha met Naaman without the knowledge of Elisha and lied to him that Elisha demanded goods and money and received the same (2 Kings 5:21-24). Not only that, He lies to Elisha about his behaviour (2 Kings 5:25,26). Because of such lies, what was his end? He was cursed by Elisha and the leprosy of Naaman came upon Gehazi and his descendants (2 Kings 5:27). Truly, Gehazi, being a servant of Elisha must have known about the power of Elisha. Still, how did he dare to lie to Elisha? He must have thought that Naaman was a rich man who wanted to give money to Elisha. So, getting some money from Naaman could not hurt anyone. Gehazi thought it was a harmless lie. But it was not to be! He hurt himself. In the same way, if we also justify our lies saying that they are harmless and as common in the world, we will only inherit the curse of sin that is upon the world. Indeed, sometimes, to hide our mistakes or to obtain little comforts, lies do come up on our tongues. These lies may appear as harming no one but the nature of lying is that one lie leads to another and before we know it we will drown in a rain of lies, hurting our spiritual self. Hence, let us not use our tongues for any lying. Let us seek forgiveness from God for our lies. On occasions, when we slip and lie despite our best intentions, let us repent at once and seek God’s forgiveness. Let us try never to lie and be God’s children always.
(4) Another evil many do with their tongues is judging others. One nature of human beings is to look with kindness upon their own faults but at the same time look at the fault of others with judgemental eyes. Jesus says this beautifully – ‘For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye’ (Matthew 7:2-5). Hence, we should not let our tongue to be used to judge someone in haste or without reason. It is indeed necessary to rebuke someone who is sinning. But, many do not realise the difference between rebuking and judging. The purpose of rebuking is to make someone repent of his/her sins. That too, it has to be done only after ascertaining the truth and not based on rumours or hearsays about someone. Only after ascertaining the truth, should we say to that person directly that what they are doing is wrong and warn them that if they do not repent, God’s judgement will come upon them. This has to be done privately. His/her mistakes should not be publicised. To make him/her understand that his/her actions are wrong, Biblical verses have to be shown to him/her. If he/she heeds to our advice and repents, we should forgive and forget his/her mistake. Only if someone does not repent even after a private rebuke, we should rebuke that person with the support a few responsible and mature brethren. Only if someone does not repent even after that, should we think about rebuking as a church. Someone who does not repent even after that can be excommunicated from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). This is the proper method of rebuking someone. Even the act of excommunication is intended to make him/her repent. If that person repents after being excommunicated, members of the church should forgive and forget his/her sins and accept him/her fully (See 2 Corinthians 2:5-11). On the other hand, to judge is to condemn someone as a wrong doer. Publicising someone’s mistake needlessly and insulting him/her. Moreover, such people do not give opportunity for a wrong doer to repent but instead condemn them by saying that God’s judgement will surely visit them. If we judge like that, then the truth is, we ourselves do not understand and insult the grace earned by Christ through his ransom sacrifice. Since we are also in sinful flesh, we also need that grace. So, let us be careful – ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’ (Matthew 7:1). Indeed, we will be judged in the same way as we judge others. Since we all are sinners, let us not judge others, instead rebuke them with love to make them repent. We see that the three friends of Job who judged him spoke a lot. Even today, many will be ready to condemn or speak ill about someone who is going through a tough trial or a lean period in life. Particularly, many will be ready to condemn those whose sins are outwardly and considered big in the eyes of the world. But, they forget that since there is no such thing as small or big sin in the eyes of Lord, there is forgiveness from all sins (See Grace – Blossom10:December08). Moreover, sometimes, some people may know that they are sinning and they will accept that they are sinning and seek God’s forgiveness repeatedly but it might take them sometime to recover and let go of that sin fully. To not give them that time and judge/condemn them is wrong. We should not forget that God has long patience. In the end, God rebuked the three friends of Job who judged him (Job 42:7,8). Let us remember that. Hence, before using our tongue to judge someone, we should reflect a moment. Judgement is in the domain of God and not us. So, we should let it rest with God and live with humility based on the knowledge that all of us are sinners. Pride of self righteousness should not be in us and only then we can gently rebuke and restore those who are trapped in sin. Let us keep this in mind.
(5) Another evil which many do with their tongue is to gossip and speak evil of others. Speaking evil behind someone’s back is gossiping. This is done by many as a means to pass time and by some with evil intent. The intent can be either pass time or evil, gossiping is very wrong behaviour. Infact, gossiping is a principal reason for the rise of divisions amidst brethren and the breaking up of many churches. The speciality of gossiping is that it is an evil behaviour that silently creeps into us. Many times we ourselves do not realise that we are gossiping. Because of this, we need to be very careful and always keep in mind what gossiping is. Also, as we saw earlier, there are two kinds of gossiping. Many gossip just to pass time. For example, when two brethren meet, just to kill time, some tend to gossip about a third person. Instead of discussing useful things, to speak ill about a third person is gossip indeed. That too many start with ‘just-in-case’ disclaimers, by saying that ‘I don’t know if this is fully true’ or ‘I shouldn’t be saying this’ and proceed to speak ill of others and cause bad name to them. As we saw earlier, even if we find mistakes in someone, we should only rebuke them privately and not gossip about them. Hence, we should not fool ourselves and continue in the sin of gossiping by thinking that we have no evil intent and hence what is wrong in this. Because, even if we have no evil intent, gossip creates havoc – ‘The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts’ (Proverbs 18:8). Hence, even if our intent is not evil, we will be punished as our gossip creates damage. In Romans 1:30, Gossip is mentioned by Apostle Paul as one among the evil sins. We should always keep that in mind. Hence, even if we gossip with no apparent evil intent, it is still a sin and we will still be punished. Also, those who gossip with the evil intent of slandering someone will also receive serious punishment from God. Not only we should not be gossipers, we should also be the ones who say no to gossipers by refusing to listen to their gossips. Even if we err in that, we won’t be acting in accordance with God’s will (See Grace – Blossom27:Passover10,Para05). We should not be those listeners who actively encourage gossipers and taking part in their sin.
(6) Another wrong doing many do generally with their tongue is useless talk. Paul calls this as ‘foolish talk’ and mentions it as one among the non beneficial things (Ephesians 5:4). Sometimes, we may be neither lying nor gossiping but we may be speaking useless stuff. In the Christian race, time is of utmost importance as time is short for us to make our calling and election sure (1 Corinthians 7:29). We need to make our calling and election sure before our death or being the church of the end times, it could be before the end of this present world if that overtakes our natural death (See Grace – Blossom34:October10, Para07). Hence, we should not be foolish by indulging in useless talks that waste our precious time. That too, when brethren come together, they should spend their time discussing useful things like about how to take forward the work of the Gospel or by studying the bible. It is important and useful to discuss the politics of the world, science and history with a biblical perspective. But we must desist from spending too much time talking about entertainment stuff or local/relative tales. Because, not only such tales waste time but also on occasions lead to problems amidst brethren. Some others argue needlessly about aspects of Christ’s 1000 year kingdom that have not been revealed in the Bible or about types and shadows that are not sanctioned either directly or indirectly in the Bible. They even at times create trouble within the church. Such people existed during the time of Apostle Paul as well. In the first century, many Jewish Christians intended to show their knowledge of the Jewish Law and also to show the greatness of their lineage by claiming to be the descendant of David or someone great in the Jewish past. They fought amidst themselves over such useless issues. To such, Paul’s advise is as follows – ‘avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless’ (Titus 3:9). Indeed, to debate endlessly about immaterial doctrines is also foolish talk. We should avoid such debates. Infact, we should never talk or give opinion about any doctrine before researching about it personally. Instead, before researching a biblical doctrine personally, if we talk about anything and everything as if we know everything, that will be just godless chatter that brings evil – ‘Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly’ (2 Timothy 2:15,16). Indeed, even if we are an elder or a senior brother/sister, if someone asks us a doubt in the Bible or brings to us a new explanation, we should always research thoroughly before answering them. If we do not do that and only indulge in godless chatter, we will be ungodly servants. Hence, in any issue or debate, we should speak only after a deep introspection. Preachers must be especially careful in this regard. Truly, we should speak only after ascertaining that the words that come out of our mouth will be useful to those that are to hear them.
(7) Another evil which many indulge in with their tongue is using swear words in anger or in order to hurt/insult someone. The Bible calls such talk as unwholesome talk. Paul advises us not to behave in such manner – ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths’ (Ephesians 4:29). This is very important because we have been called to serve God. Hence, we are representatives of God in this second world. That being the case, our tongue which should be used to spread the good news of the gospel and the glory of God should never be used for unwholesome talk. James makes this an imperative – ‘Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water’ (James 3:10-12). Truly, if we call ourselves as Godly people and continue to speak indecently, then we will only be fooling ourselves. Even in anger or for any other reason, unwholesome talk should not come through our tongues. If by chance, such talk slips out, then we should seek forgiveness not only from God but also from that person to whom we had spoken indecently. Instead, if we continue to thrive in such indecent talks, then it will only bring dishonour to the gospel we preach and hold dear. Because, those who hear our indecent talk will most probably conclude that the good news we preach much also be inappropriate coming out of such a person. Henceforth, our tongue should never be a salt spring but rather be a fresh water spring of godly words.
(8) Another evil which many casually do with their tongue is making fun of others. Coarse joking about others may seem playful but Paul explicitly warns us to not to do so (Ephesians 5:4). Because, joking may outwardly seem harmless and playful, but it can harm the feelings of others, leading to problems and squabbles within the church. Hence, as Christians we should get rid of the habit of coarse joking. Not only within our Christian fellowship, we should also avoid making fun of people of world especially the practices of the people of other Christian churches. We who know the true gospel know that many practices and beliefs of many Christian churches are wrong. That should not tempt us to make fun of their practices. It is our Christian duty to explain to them how some of their practices and beliefs are wrong from the perspective of the Bible. But it is wrong to make fun of those practices and beliefs. Because, we know that, it is only because of ignorance they are holding wrong beliefs. Hence, we should feel only responsible to teach them the right doctrines, not joke about their state. In his first coming, Jesus did not make fun of the Jews who did not heed to him. He only felt concerned about them. We also should be concerned about the Christian churches and people who are in error and should try to teach them the proper doctrines about Christ, instead of making fun about them. Instead, if we make fun of them either in front of them or even behind their backs, it only means that there is something lacking in our Christian love. If they come to know about us making fun of them, truly their ears will be less interested in hearing anything from us. Hence, be it during private talks or public sermons, it is wrong to make fun of the wrong beliefs/practices of other Christian churches. It is not a Christian behaviour. In the same way, we should not mock the beliefs/practices of the people of other religions as well. We should humbly set before them the truth and not mock their beliefs. We can and should point out errors in their beliefs with humility and love instead of mocking the same. Not only regarding beliefs, we should desist from making fun of someone’s height, weight, color, race, voice, walk etc as we can never be sure when someone may get hurt despite us doing it casually. Christian life is a life that should be lived with maturity & soberness. Hence, the habit of mocking should be completely eradicated from our system.
(9) Another evil which many exhibit through their tongue is the habit of grumbling. Truly, one can understand the immense power human tongue has by the evidence of the impact of grumbling. Because to grumble, one need not even use full words, just a low hostile sound is enough. What is grumbling? Grumbling refers to expressing our displeasure over some issue in an accusing and patronising manner in public and effectively insulting and criticising the person involved. Such grumblings should not be seen amidst us. Sometimes, our criticism might be just. A wrong doing could have been committed. In that scenario, as the Bible advises, we must approach the person concerned directly and privately to sort things out instead of grumbling in public. In the same way, some grumble about silly or inconsequential things, blowing up minor issues. Some brethren in the church must have organised a Public Meeting or a Convention with great labor. But the grumblers will turn up at the meeting and complain about stuff like food or alleged lack of importance/respect shown to them or stuff like that. We should not grumble for such worldly, totally inconsequential issues. Our grumbling should not lead to minor issues emerging as bitter thorns between brethren – ‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing’ (Philippians 2:14). There is also another kind of grumbling – grumbling to/against God. Israelites were grumbling in this manner during their journey through the desert. It was undesirable for God because their grumbling exposed their faithlessness in God. The desert sojourn of the Israelites serves as a type to the spiritual journey of the church, says Paul (1 Corinthians 10:1-10). Paul specifically mentions that God destroyed those who grumbled against Him amidst the Israelites (1 Corinthians 1:10). Indeed, if we grumble to God lacking in faith, destruction is our end. Truly, in our spiritual journey as well severe trials will come upon us. Those trials will come in any and every fashion. In those times, we must be careful not to lose faith in God and grumble against Him. We should always possess total confidence in God. Infact, it is not a big deal to serve God when there are no trials. Our character and love for God is tested only when we are under trial. So our behaviour under trial has to be dignified. Hence, even when severe trials engulf us, we should not grumble or waver; instead we must be filled with confidence that God will guide us through it. Our tongues should always praise God and never grumble against Him.
(10) The next evil of tongue is proud boasting. God hates pride (1 John 2:16). Hence, we should not boast. A tongue that boasts can hurt others. Even if we are endowed with great knowledge, we should always approach others with humility and gentleness. Infact, the moment pride takes seed in us, it only means that we are lacking in spiritual knowledge. Because since the Bible declares all of us as pitiful sinners, what is there to take pride! Some may not be pride at heart. But their manner of speaking may appear as filled with pride and self boasting. Such people should try to change their manners. Because, their humble heart gets overshadowed by their outwardly prideful manner and that will be a hindrance to them for doing the works of the Gospel. Hence, all of us should try and cultivate a humble tongue in us.
(11) Finally we are going to see about flattery, the practice of praising people for the sake of pleasing them. This is a dangerous habit – ‘Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet’ (Proverbs 29:5). Some might indulge in flattery with evil intention, which is obviously wrong. However, amidst Christians such people will be in a minority. But on the other hand, there are many who feel, what is wrong in praising someone to please them without any evil intentions. The truth however is that even those who flatter without evil intentions are also spreading a net for the flattered without their knowledge. Because, excess praise will only lead to pride and boasting on the part of the flattered. Hence, even if we do not possess any evil intention, we should never praise someone in excess or needlessly. If someone propounds a good sermon, we can and should encourage with appropriate commendation. That will encourage them. However, if we flatter them too much, it will only be a trial for them and is not a good thing. Preachers should also be careful and not be flattered by praise, knowing that ultimately all good doctrines come from the Holy Spirit and not by human effort. This should never be forgotten.
(12) We discussed in detail about the evil workings of tongue. To not indulge in any of them is indeed a tough ask. That is why James says the following – ‘Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison’ (James 3:5-8). Truly, as James says, if we fail to control our tongue, it will only lead us to destruction. Hence, let us be aware of this and keep our tongue in tight leash. While it may be impossible to completely tame the tongue, it is definitely possible to exercise much control over it. Let us start to think and reflect before we speak, having in mind the fact that we have to give account for every word that comes out of our mouth. It is important that those who cannot keep their tongue in control do not seek to become elders or preachers or senior brethren in a church because their untamed tongue will only affect the church. Since, talkative people sometimes attract a following, the church members should also be careful not to select elders/deacons on wrong basis. Finally, since the tongue can bring so much evil, one should not think that silence is better because we need to harvest the power of tongue for the right reasons. Our tongue should take lead in preaching the gospel, deliver good teachings and such good deeds. Infact, a tongue that keeps silent when wrong doing happens in front of it is also an evil tongue. A tongue that does not stop gossipers or rebuke grumblers, a tongue that does not forgive, that does not seek forgiveness are also unacceptable tongues. Hence, a silent tongue is not necessarily a good one. For, a tongue that does not preach the gospel can never be a good tongue! As James says, not doing the good one can do, is also sin (James 4:17). A tongue that does not rebuke wrong doings is also an evil tongue. If we look at Christ, he had a tongue that preached the gospel and rebuked the wrong doers. We also should introspect on this Memorial Day whether we possess such a tongue that is not used for evil purposes instead to do good. If not, let us decide to be so from now on!
‘Everyone ought to examine themse lves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup’ (1 Corinthians 11:28)