Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Prov 18:21).
As a child back in the days of WW II, there was a common saying which I’ve come to recognize as being completely false and in contradiction to the Word of God. It goes as follows: ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.’ Such is a falsehood of immense error, for words can readily wound by piercing very deeply into the heart when unkind or lacking in compassion when such is in order. And I must acknowledge this is an area of my own life having considerable room for godly transformation. The apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Romans, speaking of “the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:23) that causes him to do what he not do and to not do that which he would. He is referring to a sinful nature or “old man” which is an inheritance of all men since Adam when sin entered into the world and causes us to fall short of the glory of God. In spite of Paul making it clear that we inherit a spiritual predisposition toward what is contrary to the will of God, some would claim there is automatic relief from this curse when born again based on Jesus’ atoning work on our behalf at Calvary. It would be so lovely is such were true! Many of us would be spared having to humbly ‘eat our words’ and make amends for making foolish if not insensitive and outwardly hurtful comments, often to those very close to us. The apostles tell us to be vigilant in resisting Satan and his evil forces which always attempt to lead us astray lest we be deceived. As Jesus told His disciples at Gethsemane, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). We must constantly ask for divine help in controlling the tongue, for it is a restless evil which no man is able to tame in his own strength (James 3:8). The devil is always on watch for an open door to speak through us with words that tear down instead of edifying others with words of encouragement. Today’s teaching often ignores spiritual warfare, yet Adam experienced thoughts not learned when he ate the forbidden fruit. The LORD asked, “Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11). The same source has been speaking to man ever since. We often think of thoughts as our own when they come from the evil one. Our minds must be renewed to discern the source of our thoughts as our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Even when there is need for correction, it must be done gently and patiently so that others might be able to recover themselves from the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:24-26). So it is a wise man will guard his mouth(Proverbs 16:23). In contrast, careless speech can affect our relationship not only with others but with God. “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Let us strive to take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) so the words leaving the tongue and exiting our lips are consistent with the righteousness, peace and joy which represent the kingdom of heaven on earth (Romans 14:17). In so doing, we will fulfill the law of Christ who instructs us not only to love God with all of our heart but also to love others as ourselves.
