Diseases Of The Tongue

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Simply stated, the correct use of the tongue imparts life; the incorrect use, death. There are six specific diseases affecting the tongue that will be discussed in this issue. These diseases affect our lives through the misuse of the tongue and can prove fatal if left unchecked.

Excessive talking: This disease has become so common that people accept it as normal, but not according to the writer of Proverbs 10:19, "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Don’t talk too much. In addition to talking excessively, we are warned not to use our mouth in vain repetitions toward God. We should not sing or repeat words we do not mean even when giving praise to God. Singing a lie is as easy as telling one and we will be accountable for both. The Bible warns that every idle word we speak, we will be accountable at the Day of Judgment. In the book of Ecclesiastes 5:34, the writer is quoted as saying, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed." So what is the root cause of excessive talking? In the book of James 3:8, we are told that the tongue is an unruly evil, incapable of being tamed. It is a restless little member that can defile the whole body. Therefore, excessive talking is a sure indicator of an individual whose heart is not at rest and one who needs the wisdom from above.

II. Idle-Careless Words: In Matthew 12: 34, 36-37, Jesus states, "For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." But I say unto you, "That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." We will be accountable for every idle and insecure word that we speak. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns us to " let our conversation be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than that cometh of evil."

III. Gossip: Spreading slanderous, idle, untrue, exaggerated, and malicious words are considered gossip. Since the devil is a slanderer, those who receive gossip, or are influenced by it, are said to be doing the devil’s work, and are his representatives. Gossip is like poisoned " choice morsels" and we must be careful not to enter or engage ourselves in it. Proverbs 20:19.

IV. The writer of Proverbs 6:16-19 warns of seven things that the Lord hates. Three of the seven involves the tongue; a false witness, a lying tongue, and one who stirs up dissension among the brethren. We are also told that the Lord delights in the truth, and detests lying. We must avoid lying, if we don’t, it will prove catastrophic. "All unbelievers, vile, murderous, slanderous, idolaters, and liars will have their part in the lake." Revelations 21:8.

V. Flattery: The writer of Psalms describes a state of moral decline where "godly men are difficult to find and the faithful have vanished." As a result, everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception and God’s judgment is pronounced on them. Those who listen to flattery will suffer ruin as a result. Proverbs 29:5.

VI. Hastiness of Speech: If we are hasty with a word, we are worse than fools. Moses was guilty of this offense and paid a huge price. He was told by God to go ahead of the Israelites, and speak to the rock, and it would bring forth water. He was so angry with the children of Israel that he said to them, "You rebels, must we bring you water out of a rock?" Instead of speaking to the rock, he smote it. (Numbers 20: 7-12) His act of disobedience and hastiness of speech cost him the privilege of leading the children of Israel to the Promised Land. A provoked spirit can causes us to speak unadvisedly, and these hasty words cost us dearly. Like Moses, we must be aware of words spoken in haste. "The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, capable of destroying the whole body." Let the readers beware!!!!

By Naomi J. Brown