Considerable debate has taken place in the past decade about certain weapons. However, the reality is that almost anything, even objects typically used for good, people can turn into a weapon and utilize it for evil. Prisons constantly contend with inmates over shanks made from a toothbrush, a piece of wire, rolled up paper, plastic, utensils, etc. The strangest weapon I discovered in this research was blankets. In 1763, Indians besieged the inhabitants living around Fort Pitt killing men, women, and children and burning homes. Those who survived took refuge in the well-protected Fort. But it became so overrun with people that Captain Simeon Ecuyer realized something must stop the attacks so people could return home. He resorted to the first known germ warfare in America. Pretending to give gifts, he sent blankets and handkerchiefs to the Indians surrounding the Fort. However, these seemingly benign gifts came from a smallpox infirmary. Ecuyer hoped the smallpox-infected items would spread the disease throughout the nearby tribes and it did starting an epidemic.
Regardless of how you feel about weapons, we all have access to some means of harming others. I have been intrigued in the last few months over the prolific amount of scriptures concerning one body part that anyone can use as a powerful weapon—our tongue. Solomon wrote 900 years before Christ, The tongue has the power of life and death (Prov 18:21 NIV). James, who devotes an entire chapter, tells us that with our tongue, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men . . . from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. He concludes, My brethren, these things ought not to be this way (Jas 3:9, 10).
The Bible gives extensive treatment regarding the tongue. Not only is it a weapon that can destroy others, it serves as a gauge indicating the state of our heart. Jesus warned, For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart . . . But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt 12:34, 36, 37 NIV). We can also translate the word careless idle, foolish, lazy, worthless, or injurious. This verse gives a serious warning that should serve as a caveat guiding every conversation we have. Words are such an integral part of our existence, it is easy to take for granted their impact on others. Words matter so much that God keeps a record.
James illustrates the power we possess with this small body part. He compares it to a great forest fire that began with only a tiny fire—literally a puny fire. I grew up next to a virgin pine forest where I played and hunted throughout my childhood. The pine straw was two feet deep throughout the massive trees. I was driving home one day when I noticed smoke coming from my former playground. It quickly grew into the biggest and hottest fire I have ever seen. Someone, who authorities never caught, started the horrendous fire from just a two-inch sliver of wood, a match. It left only a large barren field. Not even the stumps survived. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell (Jas 3:5, 6).
One writer states the tongue has destroyed and damaged more lives than all the weapons of war or disease on the planet. Maybe a bit overstated however, we all probably know someone whose life has been ruined by a mere rumor whether true or false. Yet, we can also use our tongue as a powerful tool for God. With it we share the Gospel, And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mk 16:15 EV). We encourage people, Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad (Prov12:25).The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life (Prov 15:4 NIV). We worship and praise the Lord, Sing unto Him a new song (Psa. 33:3) Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name (Ps 29:2). Paul tells us to use our words to help people and to build up others. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph 4:29 NIV).
If you find yourself using your tongue to tear people down, gossip, boast, and grumble, etc., you might have a heart problem. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Lk 6:45 NIV). Be aware, you can’t tame your tongue without help. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:8). It begins by asking the Holy Spirit to transform your heart. Then pray the prayer of David, Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips (Ps 141:3).
Sustaining Word for the Week: If you don’t like what you are hearing and you are the one talking, let Christ turn your most powerful weapon into your most powerful tool for Him.