Lesson 359 - Senior
Memory Verse
"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19).
Cross References
I The Bitter Fountain
1. The uncontrolled human tongue is a terrible evil, [JAM:1:26]; [JAM:3:1-6]; [PS:140:3]; [ROM:3:13].
2. All manner of evil-speaking is condemned by the Word of God, [JAM:3:7-12], [JAM:3:14-16].
a. Backbiting: [PS:15:1-3]; [PS:50:19-23]; [PS:101:5]; [JER:9:3-5], [JER:9:8]; [ROM:1:30]; [2CO:12:20].
b. Vain talk: [JOB:11:2]; [JOB:15:3]; [PRO:29:11]; [ECC:5:3]; [ECC:10:12-14]; [TIT:1:10].
c. Tale-bearing: [LEV:19:16]; [PRO:17:9]; [PRO:18:8]; [PRO:20:19]; [PRO:26:20]; [ROM:1:29].
d. Boasting: [JAM:3:5]; [PRO:27:1-2]; [MAT:6:2]; [ROM:1:30]; [2TM:3:2].
3. God will destroy those who speak evil, and will turn their own devices against them, [2PE:2:10-12]; [JUD:1:8-10], [JUD:1:14-16]; [REV:21:8]; [PS:7:15-16]; [PS:57:4-6]; [PS:64:1-9].
II The Sweet Fountain
1. The Christian's conversation is in Heaven, and his speech is edifying to all, [JAM:3:13], [JAM:3:17-18]; [PS:15:3]; [PRO:31:26]; [EPH:4:29]; [COL:4:6]; [TIT:2:8]; [TIT:3:2]; [1PE:3:10-11]; [REV:14:5].
Notes
Evil-speaking Condemned
"O generation of vipers, how can ye , being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasures bringeth forth evil things. 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" [MAT:12:34-37]).
With such language does the Word of God unsparingly condemn all evil-speaking. The tongue of the unregenerated heart pours forth a continual stream of iniquity into the world. Solemn fact indeed that the words of our everyday conversations will return eternally to justify or condemn us before God! (Read [JUD:1:8-10], [JUD:1:4-16].)
Such portions of Scripture teach us that evil-speaking is always associated with rebellious deeds against the government and Person of God. Furthermore, all who speak evil shall be judged with the same severity as any other rebel against God's Kingdom. If angels are not permitted by God to make railing accusations against that archenemy of men, Satan, how diligent, then, men should be to guard against speaking hastily or speaking evil to anyone or about anyone.
Paul, following the teachings of the Word of God, made apology to the high priest whom he did not recognise, although it seems that he would have been justified in his saying. (Read [ACT:23:2-5]; [EXO:22:28]; [ECC:10:20].)
Serpent's Tongue
One of the devil's sharpest weapons is idle gossip about another. Satan is the "accuser" of the brethren [REV:12:10]); and a person is being misled by the devil when he idly repeats evil things about another, even though they be true.
The business of a Christian is other than publishing the faults of a brother to the world; or even his sin, if it be that he has sinned. The Word of God says: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" [GAL:6:1-2]). It is impossible to misconstrue such a statement and call it license for anyone to gossip about another's failure or sin. It is the devil's business to destroy men's souls; and talk about people's lives that is not edifying, nor to the glory of God, is only assisting the devil.
"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter" [PRO:11:13]). Furthermore, "a froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends" [PRO:16:28]). These are but a few of the statements in the Word of God, which can be quoted regarding idle and malicious gossip. It is no wonder, then, that James, inspired of the Holy Ghost, said correctly and with the proper emphasis: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" [JAM:3:6]).
Boasting
Boasting is also an evil of the human tongue to be classified with vain talk, talebearing, and backbiting. The Bible states: "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him" [JHN:7:18]). Pride is a damning sin, and boasting of self is a fruit of the tree of pride. The purpose of boasting is nothing less than that self should be prominently considered, exalted, and given pre-eminence. In most instances those who boast are unqualified for the things, which they so loudly claim, and that is why they boast. There is a boasting in the Christian warfare, which is both right and proper. The Psalmist expressed it, "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad" [PS:34:2]). The Christian can boast mightily of his Great Redeemer, and of His mighty works to the sons of men. But any carnal boasting is sin!
The Name of the Lord
The Christian has a defence from idle tongue wagging. God has promised to vindicate His people from all the false accusations the devil might bring against them. The Word of God declares: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is save" [PRO:18:10]). The righteous can flee to God, and His divine protection will cover them against every calamity, including that of the libellous tongue.
A study of the sixty-fourth Psalm will teach us the methods of the wicked, and God's victory over them. "Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: that they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not." And what is the defence of the righteous in such times? "But God shall shoot at them [the wicked] with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away" [PS:64:7-8]).
Haman, who was in the king's favour, became jealous of Mordecai and thought to do him harm. He cunningly plotted his own exaltation and Mordecai's destruction. His scheme was set at nought by the Lord, and the very thing he had thought to bring upon Mordecai came upon himself. And the honour he had thought to give himself was given to Mordecai instead. (See [EST:7:10].) So does God turn the tongues of the wicked upon themselves and destroy them with their own wickedness.
During the past generation it has been the boast of dictators that if a lie was told often enough the world would eventually believe it as the truth. The world also quotes for truth the saying that a lie can travel halfway around the world while truth is but "getting its boots on." Such statements may be accepted for the truth by carnal-hearted people, but truth cannot be downed by lies. Neither can any manner of evil destroy the truth. Jesus Christ said, " I am the way, the truth, and the life" [JHN:14:6]). No lie the devil has ever told, or will yet tell, will ever change the Son of God or the Truth of God in the slightest degree. Truth is from God; and truth, no matter what its subject matter, cannot be separated from God, for He is the source of all that is true and good.
All evil and evil speaking have their origin with Satan. Jesus told those who were opposing His Word: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" [JHN:8:44]). Therefore, to tell a lie or a falsehood of any kind is proof that one is serving the cause of the devil. God will not at all countenance lies, and all liars will be kept out of the Kingdom of God. "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" [REV:21:27]; [REV:22:15]).
The Christian's heart is full of the good treasure of the Lord, and he will speak in the manner that is pleasing to his Lord. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" [JAM:3:17-18]).
Questions
1. What makes the tongue an unruly member?
2. Why does the Bible say the tongue is set on fire of hell?
3. Who is the father of all lies and evil speaking?
4. What will happen to all who speak evil?
5. How should Christians talk?
6. Why cannot Christians participate in idle gossip?
7. Who is the accuser of the brethren?
8. What defence does a Christian have against gossip and malicious slander?