A Restless Evil
In this article, we will explore several crucial aspects of the tongue. Although it is a small part of our bodies, it wields significant influence over our lives and can affect those around us deeply. In a society where everyone's opinions carry weight and the concepts of discipline and restraint seem to be obsolete, us as believers need to reject the patterns of this world. Instead, we must hold fast to the timeless principles established before the earth's foundation. The "I AM," who came in the flesh, serves as our living, breathing example of the spiritual reality we are called to live in, which to this world is utter foolishness, offensive, and held in little regard. Despite that, we must press on.
After writing two pieces on Bitterness, I felt compelled to dig deeper into how effortlessly we can speak ill of others and meditate on negative thoughts. It’s intriguing to consider how our feelings, whether expressed intentionally or not, can shape our actions and significantly impact those around us, often leading to division.
I am passionate about discussing these topics because they are rarely addressed or taught, despite their significance and the multitude of scriptures that directly speak to this issue. According to scripture, when we act in untamed ways, lacking conviction, and indifferent to the impact on those around us—whether it’s engaging in gossip, holding onto unforgiveness, or remaining offended—we are rebelling against the Lord. Our church attendance and good deeds count for little if we continue down this path, which is abominable to Him. We will delve into the scriptures that challenge us on these issues. I have a deep conviction because I've walked in all these behaviours myself. Whether I initiated them or simply entertained them, I've been involved in ways that have hurt others and damaged friendships. I’ve also felt the sting of being hurt and mistreated by the same actions. Ultimately, no matter who instigates the situation, it all boils down to SIN, and staying caught up in it will cost us dearly.
James 3:4-10 ESV [4] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [5] 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! [6] 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. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Let’s dissect this passage a little to gain a greater understanding. The word body is the Greek word "sōma," which refers to a group of individuals, whether large or small, closely united into one society or family; it signifies a social, ethical, or mystical body—the living body. (The Church/New Man/Bride)
“Sets on fire” is the Greek word “Phlogizō,” meaning to ignite, to operate destructively, or to have a most pernicious (having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way) power. It refers to that in which destructive influences are kindled.
Tame is the Greek term “damazō,” meaning to curb or restrain.
Restless in the Greek is “akatastatos” meaning unstable and inconstant (frequently changing, variable or irregular)
Poison in the Greek “ios” meaning poison of asps is under their lips. Spoken of men given to reviling and calumniating and thereby injuring others.
Barn's notes on the Bible state that: The poison of asps - This is taken literally from the Septuagint of Psalm 140:3. The asp, or adder, is a species of serpent whose poison is of such active operation that it kills almost the instant that it penetrates, and that without remedy. It is small, and commonly lies concealed, often in the "sand" in a road, and strikes the traveler before he sees it. - Romans 3:13 Commentaries: "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; for you to read more.
This passage, along with Romans 3:10-18, describes ungodly individuals who can never meet the standards of a Holy God. Without God, there is no understanding or desire to seek Him unless He draws us to Him. We all have a natural tendency to turn away from Him and His ways. The text describes our throats as an open grave. We cannot be holy without the Holy One living in us and expressing His holiness through us. We might easily be tempted to think, “That doesn’t apply to me; it’s about the unsaved.” However, unless we have learned to control our speech, manage our emotions, and bring our entire selves into alignment and submission with God's purpose and will, this message also pertains to us. Even those of us who are in Christ and are being sanctified each day, renewed in our minds through His Word, and transformed in our lives by the power of the Spirit dwelling within us. A vital part of our sanctification journey is recognising our sinful tendencies, so we can genuinely repent and experience true change.
After extracting the meaning of some of those words, we could read it like this: “The tongue is set among our members, staining the closely united into one society or family, the living body (the Church). Igniting to operate destructively, having a harmful effect, especially gradually, in a subtle way. It is destructive in its influence over others. It is neither restrained nor curbs what it speaks. It is unstable and irregular. It criticises in an abusive or angrily insulting manner, and its poison is as deadly as that of an asp or adder. It lies in wait for its opportune time before it strikes.” Luke 4:13 ESV [13] And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This provides a valuable perspective on the dangers of an untamed tongue. Two key aspects stand out to me regarding how the tongue can operate. It can act slowly and deliberately, quietly building up over time. This often happens when we neglect to address minor offenses, allowing them to stack up and unforgiveness to take root. Before we know it, we begin to fixate on every little mistake or minor flaw in others, creating a mental tally of grievances against a brother or sister. This can eventually lead to the actions of the asp or adder, especially when the case file has grown so large that, like an aged pressure cooker that has not been replaced in a timely manner, it can suddenly blow its lid, resulting in considerable harm.
I believe we can agree that exploring how we use our tongues and examining both what the Lord hates and what He honours in our speech will be incredibly beneficial and, I pray, life-changing. May we learn to speak our opinions less and become quick to listen and cautious in responding.
Proverbs 1:7 ESV [7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. May we not despise His wisdom and instruction regarding our tongue.
James 1:26 AMP [26] If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren).
Matthew 12:36-37 AMP [36] But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. [37] For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.”
If we love Christ, we need to take this matter seriously. Our words will either justify us or condemn us. The way we speak reveals what is in the heart. When sin occurs, a life that is being renewed will be quick to respond in repentance. A life that is lukewarm, or even cold, will have no conviction and therefore not repent. If we claim to love Him, believe in Him, and depend on Him, yet we continue to use our words carelessly, disregarding the call to holiness and speaking whatever we wish simply because we live in an era of freedom of speech, then we reject Christ.
Luke 6:45 AMP [45] The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honourable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.
Matthew 15:11 AMP [11] It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that defiles and dishonours him, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles and dishonours him.”
It doesn’t matter how great an act we can perform or how holy we can present ourselves; the inevitable truth is that what is stored in our heart will come out of our mouth. It may take a trial, an argument, a false accusation, an insult, a time of lack, or a time of loss. Whatever it may be, we will be found out. This is not a negative thing, let me assure you. I am so grateful to the Lord for putting me in pressing situations where all my best efforts to remain in control (not self-controlled, just in control) have been pushed to their limits, and what has been seemingly hidden from those around me has come flying out and left me undone, exposed, and humiliated. That sounds terrible, but I can testify that some of those moments have led me to this point. These hard-pressed exposures were the Lord responding to the cry of my heart for clean hands and a pure heart, a righteous life that is lived in a manner that would please Him. It is His work in these exposures that is making this transformation possible. And the amazing thing is, they will continue until the day He returns. Philippians 1:6 AMP [6] I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. [Rom 14:10] This is a good indication that no one has been perfected, and we all need the work of the Lord daily. So don’t be condemned at His work for Romans 8:1 AMP says [1] Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. [John 3:18]. These experiences serve as powerful reminders of His work in us, highlighting how our salvation is being worked out with fear and trembling as we strive to dedicate our lives to Him in every area.
From here, I want us to examine some Proverbs that help us draw the line of distinction between what God loves and hates, and for us to examine our behaviours, meditations, and words.
Proverbs 10:18 ESV [18] The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. The Hebrew word for slander is dibâ, meaning whisper, defamation, or to defame. In the Lord's eyes, it is foolish to whisper defamatory words. Why is that? This is not talking of warning someone to be cautious about the sinful behaviour of another. Rather, this is about speaking words that defame someone, leading the listener to form an opinion and bias against them that may not be accurate. We have to guard our lips and have the courage to refrain from entering into gossip. If necessary, cut the conversation off.
Proverbs 10:19-20 ESV [19] When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. [20] The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The more we speak, the greater the chance we might say something inappropriate. This isn’t a suggestion to stop talking altogether; rather, it’s a reminder to exercise self-control in our conversations. We should be aware of when our words start to veer off course, and ideally, we should catch ourselves before we even approach that edge. It’s essential to avoid engaging in gossip, making baseless accusations, or indulging in negative talk that tears others down instead of building them up. “Choice Silver” implies value. The tongue of the righteous is worth something. Our speech must add value to the conversation. Those who practice no restraint have “little worth”. How precious it is when we leave a conversation encouraged in the Lord. Those long chats of rejoicing in who the Lord is. They are my favourite. When you barely sit down, Jesus is immediately running off the tongue. These are valuable times and should be treasured. Malachi 3:16 AMP [16] Then those who feared the Lord [with awe-filled reverence] spoke to one another; and the Lord paid attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who fear the Lord [with an attitude of reverence and respect] and who esteem His name.
Proverbs 10:32 ESV [32] The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. The mouth of the righteous knows what is acceptable because they seek to understand it. How do we get to know what someone likes and accepts unless we invest time getting to know them? Those who seek the Lord learn what is acceptable to Him and seek to do only those things. They repent when they fail because they genuinely desire to please Him. They have conviction. The perverse heart has no mindfulness of what they speak. There is no conviction and no restraint.
Proverbs 11:13 ESV [13] Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Someone who speaks unrestrainedly is likely to reveal secrets. If someone can gossip, slander, and share confidential information entrusted to them with you over coffee, that may be an indication that they are untrustworthy. The Hebrew word for trustworthy is 'āman, meaning to stand firm, to believe in, and to be reliable or faithful. This one keeps those entrusted conversations safe and does not repeat them. They are like a pillar, immovable and faithful.
Proverbs 12:16-19, 22, 25-26 ESV [16] The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. [17] Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. [18] There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. [19] Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. [22] Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. [25] Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. [26] One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Vexation (anger), false speech, and rash talk (speaking without thought) are like the stabbing of a sword. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. David expressed this in Psalm 119:29 (KJV): “Remove from me the way of lying; and grant me thy law graciously.” If David could pray for this, so can we. However, those who can overlook insults and speak truth backed by evidence, rather than mere accusations, demonstrate wisdom and act faithfully, and God's delight is in them. A kind word can calm anxiety, and righteous living serves as a guide to those around us.
Proverbs 15:28 ESV [28] The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Don't feel that you need to respond quickly during arguments or conversations. It can be challenging and uncomfortable, but reacting impulsively can be harmful. Words spoken in the heat of the moment often expose us, rather than the other person. Sometimes, we may feel compelled to share our opinions or prove that we are right. The desire to defend ourselves may also cause us to respond too quickly. A very simple question I have begun asking myself is “What fruit will it bear if I have to have my say?”. God values restraint. He values a thoughtful, disciplined heart.” - John MacArthur. A disciplined heart will bring forth disciplined speech.
Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV [16] There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, [19] a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
This proverb penetrated my heart so deeply that all I could do was weep and weep as the Lord revealed the danger of having a root of bitterness. When our eyes are on ourselves and not on the Lord, our thoughts are consumed with self and not on heavenly things, and therefore the meditation of our heart becomes the very vile vomit that will soon flow from our mouth. When that comes out and affects our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we begin to influence their thoughts against one another, causing discord to arise and division to erupt, my friend, your greatest enemy is not Satan, but God. It is an abomination to sow discord among God's children, His family, Christ's Bride. I have never felt such a deep gratitude for the conviction I experienced, and the time granted to repent for my sins and seek the Lord's transformative work. At the same time, I felt a physical sickness upon realising how abominable my actions had been in His eyes. Sin cannot be overlooked. While it’s true that we will be wronged and we will have valid reasons to feel hurt, that never justifies sinful behaviour.
To bring this to an end, I want to share one more passage of scripture: Proverbs 8:1, 4, 6-9 ESV [1] Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? [4] “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. [6] Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, [7] for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. [9] They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
Can we hear the call of Wisdom? The call to get an understanding? The Lord is calling us to love one another as ourselves, and we can only do that if we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We desperately need Him to empty us of old ways and be the New Way that lives through us. Patterns of gossip, slander, discord, division, cruel speech, accusations, remaining offended, being quick to get our opinions out, defending ourselves, lying, and all other unrighteous behaviour and speech must go to the cross. We must be ready to let Christ lead us on a journey where our old ways are put to death, allowing His resurrection life to fill us more and more.
