JULY 14
The tongue is a “little member” of the body (James 3:5), but
is one that must be yielded to God as an instrument of righteousness
(Romans 6:12,13). There are many references to the tongue in the
Book of Proverbs. The wonderful gift of speech God has given us
should be used for His glory, and should not be taken for granted or
abused. The tongue should be used for the right purposes, but many
times Satan gets hold of it and the results are devastating. More
damage is probably done by the tongue in lives, homes, and churches
than by any other means.
Note some of the correct purposes for use of the tongue:
bringing peace to men (chapter 15:1,26); giving wise reproof to the
erring (chapters 15:12; 28:23); delivering lost souls from hell
(chapters 11:9; 14:3-5; 12:6); teaching people the things of the
Lord (chapter 15:7; 16:21,23; 20:15); and carrying the good news of
the Gospel (chapter 25:25).
Chapter 12:17-22 speaks of a lying tongue and, as we saw in
chapter 6:16,17, God hates a lying tongue. Sometimes it is only
covering sin in the heart, as was the case with Ananias and
Sapphira, as related in Acts 5. Truth alone is eternal, but liars
will be revealed and judged in the last day. Lips can only utter
words, but the deceit of lies comes forth from the heart. If the
intent of the heart is evil, then evil statements will come forth
from the lips. Proverbs 17:4 indicates that liars enjoy listening to
liars. A man who enjoys listening to gossip is the man who gossips!
All liars will be punished (Proverbs 19:5,9). This is so emphatic
that it is repeated twice in these verses. Revelation 22:15 says
that hell is waiting for the one who “loveth and maketh a lie.”