Dangers of a loose tongue
Considering some Bible verses on the tongue, we note how limited the tongue can make us feel, even if we are physically whole otherwise. It’s interesting to note in Exodus 4:10 that Moses felt so slow of speech and tongue, that he needed to insist on help in the form of someone to speak on his behalf to Pharaoh.
We also note the dangers of a loose or undisciplined tongue. The Psalmist wanted God to judge those whose throat is an open tomb, who flatter with their tongue (Ps5:9b). Again, we are admonished in Psalm 34:13, to keep our tongue from evil, and our lips from speaking deceit. This is reiterated in Proverbs 6:17 where it reflects that the Lord hates a lying tongue, and again in 1 Tim 3:8, where we are informed that deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued.
James goes further in speaking of the tongue in Chapter 3:6 by saying that ‘the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell’. In verse 8 of the same chapter, he states that no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Very strong words indeed!
And necessary words, as we need not deceive ourselves: Revelation 21:8 is clear that all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. It’s clear from what we’ve considered that we cannot tame our tongue in our own strength. As we remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13), and that God is our strength (Hab 3.19), we should remind ourselves that:
Christ suffered for us and is our example, 1 Pet 2.21.
As we focus on Him, He will deliver us from all calamity, Ps 91.14; and
We can trust that as we reflect His glory, we are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory, 2 Cor 3.18 NIV. Said another way, the NLT says, “and the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Look to Him and watch Him tame your tongue.