THE HEALING TONGUE
Perhaps nothing else in life is as difficult as speaking appropriately. James refers to this in the Bible, “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) Yet, the recommendation is made to make an attempt to control what we say. Why is it important to make an effort to tame the tongue?
First, what we say has the capacity to change us. While it is true that what we say arises from what we are, when we say things, it also changes who we are.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 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. (James 3: 3-6)
Speaking kindly and gently generates a godly nature within, speaking harshly and maliciously does direct us in the opposite direction. The company we keep undoubtedly influences our manner of speech, and eventually the person we become. Malice, cursing, deceit, mockery, are all warned against in the Word as we are exhorted to keep our speech pure.
Our speech not only affects others, but it also profoundly affects others.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:2)
Speaking with wisdom and discernment is a joy to behold, and welcomed by all. Further, applying the same with compassion to bring healing is renewed speech at its best.
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Prov 15:4)
Responsive speech is perhaps the most difficult. How do you aptly respond, especially when one is agitated?
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)
To be able to do that requires forgiveness and maturity, overlooking a mistake with love and compassion. Further intervening with the right word in a timely fashion is medicine to the soul.
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! (Prov 15:23)
