The Tongue.
Zion's Advocate, Vol. 43, No. 1, January 1904.
As the tongue is the most active member employed in the modification of the human voice, the word is figuratively used to represent speech. The voice is an inestimable blessing. When we consider in how many ways it may be used to our gratification and benefit, we are ready to acknowledge that its value to us cannot be estimated. It is such a pity that what is naturally so good and useful is made the instrument of so much evil under the baneful influence of sin.There are different means employed to convey thoughts, but the most satisfactory is the voice when the party to whom they are to be conveyed is in a position to hear the spoken words. The vocal organs form the most perfect musical instrument, all others being only poor imitations. If the tongue were used only as the medium of conveying useful thoughts and producing pure music, what a blessing it would always be to the human race.
Solomon says, "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright," and "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life." True wisdom is essential to the proper use of knowledge through the medium of the tongue. A wholesome tongue is one that is free from the influence of evil and speaks only that which is good and useful. Such a tongue, as a tree of life, does not spread death and destruction around it, but exerts an influence that is conducive to the development and enjoyment of life. Isaiah attributed the gift of a wise tongue to God. "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Isa. l. 4.
David resolved to employ his tongue for a good purpose. "My tongue shall speak of thy righteousness, and of thy praise, all the day long." Ps. xxxv. 28. He also determined to keep his tongue from evil. "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." Ps. xxxix. 1. This passage teaches that a tongue that is gifted with the power of proclaiming the righteousness of God and sounding musical praise to his name, must sometimes be held in like an unruly horse. "Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about the whole body. Behold also the ship, which though they be so great, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth." James iii. 3-5. The horse is a powerful and spirited animal. Unbridled, he is able to do much mischief and bring great danger to subserve a useful purpose. Great and bulky ships are driven by violent winds on the impetuous ocean, but they are generally guided by small helms in the hands of skillful pilots. So the tongue is liable to do great harm if it is not held in check and properly directed.
Tremendous conflagrations follow the kindling of a little fire. Great destruction by fire often results from a tiny spark. The improper use of the tongue is illustrated by this. It is represented as "a fire, a world of iniquity." It inflames and gives vent to the corrupt passions by which men are instigated to commit vices and crimes. It is said to be "set on fire of hell." The devil, stirring up the lusts of man's apostate nature, uses it to spread lewdness, discords, slanders, lies, blasphemies and all manner of abominable wickedness all over the earth.
Such is the awful work of the unbridled tongue of fallen man. "It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." No man can tame it. Beasts and serpents can be tamed to some extent, but no one has ever been able to find out a way to subdue the evil tongue of the hardened sinner. The progress of this evil has never been stopped by laws, punishments, arguments, or any other method. With those who have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son, it should be far different. They should bridle their tongues and be careful not to say anything at any time that they will ever have cause to regret. Out of the same mouth ought not to proceed blessing and cursing. Every one should "show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."
One bad tongue, unbridled, will keep an entire neighborhood in turmoil. What an unbearable pest such a tongue is! It would be far better if the party who wags it had never been able to wag it. The owner of such a tongue sometimes gets into the church, and then let all look out for a fire. It is good policy to keep out of the way, but the great difficulty lies in keeping out of the way. It is sure to tell all the bad report its owner hears and more. Its disease is apt to be contagious, so other tongues are liable to become bad through its influence.
Reader, is your tongue hard to manage? If so, put a bridle on it, and if a smooth bit is not sufficient get a more severe one. It will serve a good purpose if only you can master and control it. Strive to cultivate a friendly feeling for others, and especially for those whom your tongue is tempted to abuse. Always think seriously before you speak, especially if you are not sure that what you are about to say is proper.
J. R. D.
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