The Tongue Among Our Members

David Eldridge

James notes, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body… and it is set on fire by hell” (Jas. 3:6). The words we speak can be evil, but they can also be for good. Jesus states, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt. 12:37). Let us consider both the sinful and the righteous words the tongue may employ.

Lying Tongue. Our tongues should never be speaking lies. The lying tongue is something the new man, in Christ, will put away (Gal. 4:25). Solomon said, “…and he who speaks lies shall perish” (Pr. 19:9). Surely this is the case as we read in Revelation 21:8 that, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Truly, as the old expression goes, “Honesty is the best policy!”

Arguing Tongue. Many seem to enjoy nothing better than a “good” argument. However, among Christians, this should not be the case! Why? Because any fool can start an argument but an honorable person will seek to stop such (Pr. 20:3). Many need to heed the words spoken by Paul to Euodia and Syntyche in Philippians 4:2. He besought them “to be of the same mind in the Lord.”

Complaining Tongue. I have known many who are only happy when they have something to complain about. Paul admonished the church at Philippi to “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Phil. 2:14). No one likes to hear someone complain for the sake of complaining – not even God (cf. 1 Cor. 10:10).

Corrupting Tongue. In Ephesians 4:29 Paul writes, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” Many think this passage has reference to filthy language. Surely, filthy language is condemned, should not be used, and can be corrupting (Col. 3:8). However, corrupting speech is that which would tear or break another person down. Unfortunately, many will say things that hurt and harm others. As members of one another, let us be diligent to say those things that edify rather than those that tear down (cf. 2 Cor. 12:19).

Truthful Tongue. Paul commanded, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25). Let us have the determination of Solomon that our “mouth will speak truth” (Pr. 8:7).

Kind Tongue. Some have gotten the idea that kindness is simply the absence of harshness. However, kindness is an active virtue that should always be demonstrated in our speech. The apostle penned, “And be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32). Let us not be harsh or cruel in our speaking to one another, but rather let us show kindness in the words we say to one another.

Teaching Tongue. There is perhaps no better thing one can employ his tongue to do than to share the Gospel with another. Paul recognized this when, by the Spirit, he penned, “For I am not shamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation, both to the Jew and the Gentile” (Rom. 1:16). Romans 10:15 records, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

What about the words you say from day to day? Are the words you speak those words which hurt, deceive, and destroy, thereby condemning you? Or, are your words those which will encourage, edify, and glorify God? Let us be determined to speak the later that we might be justified by our words and secure our souls salvation. May we, as the children of God, always learn to “watch our mouths.”

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Ja. 1:19).