“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Proverbs 12:18-19 ESV
The state of our national discourse is abysmal. Downright embarrassing. Completely disturbing. When more than half of a statement made by an elected official is “bleeped” because of curse words, and the other half spews such vitriol and animosity that it’s painful to the ears, we have so far crossed the line of civility that we have plunged into an abyss of unintelligible, crass and crude rantings.
I’m old enough to remember when any statesman or stateswoman who spoke with such rancor and vulgarity would be strongly chastised from all corners – political (both sides of the aisle), news media and its pundits, general public, and the pulpit. Today, they are lauded and cheered on in all of those arenas. And, of course, the reels and videos go viral.
When someone dares to criticize such behavior publicly, that person is labeled a “hater,” trying to silence someone’s right to free speech.
What a sobering statement this makes about the disintegration of the moral fiber of our society and the death of civility.
“Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.” Psalm 64:2-4 ESV
Whether this deterioration has bubbled up from the general population to the upper echelon of our country’s leadership or boiled over from the top down to the masses, the result is the same. The intolerance and inability to extend courtesy and consideration to anyone of an opposing position or point of view have pervaded every corner of civilization.
This incivility can be observed even within the Christian community. Perhaps not to the profane degree we see on the nightly news, but certainly, the attitudes and ungodly spirit are too frequently evidenced in the conversations of professed believers and church leaders.
I am not saying we, believers, should compromise God’s truth or His commands—ever. There is a respectful, Spirit-filled way to disagree, refute, and speak the truth without getting into nasty verbal brawls–regardless of the subject—even if it’s political.
The Apostle James, brother of Jesus and author of the New Testament Book of James, wrote these words:
“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6 ESV
Last year, when Russ and I traveled in Central Oregon, we passed miles of charred and burnt-out woodlands, the victim of the many out-of-control fires the area has endured. At a cousin’s home, the top of the mountain range was hidden by hazy, ash-filled skies caused by the fires that continued to rage miles away.
We’ve all seen the ravaging fires in California that have devastated that state in the past year – horrific.
Tiny sparks that explode into raging infernos. Lives were claimed, homes were destroyed, and entire cities were leveled because of a spark. It’s heartbreaking and sickening. That’s the power of a spark.
And that is the power of the tongue. When the tongue is weaponized, it can become a lethal spark.
The Apostle James writes, “No human being can tame the tongue.” (James 3:8 ESV)
In First Peter 3, Peter the Apostle says, “For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” (1 Peter 3:10 NIV)
So, what’s the solution for Christ-followers who want to honor God with their mouth? James answers that question in Chapter Four of his epistle:
“But He [God] gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:6-8, 10 NIV
We cannot honor God in our own power. But God has favored us with His abiding presence through His Holy Spirit. He will give us the restraint needed to keep our lips closed. He will hold back what could be incendiary words. He will give us the words that should be spoken. He will allow us to glorify Him through our words and the spirit with which we say them, if we humble ourselves before Him and surrender our will and hearts to Him.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV