The tongue is a small member of the human body with large responsibilities It is controlled directly by a set of muscles in the throat, but, ultimately, control lies in the mind So that, whilst we may speak of controlling the tongue, it is important to realize that control must be exercised over that which causes it to move.
The use of the tongue is to convey what we wish to say to other people If you see a person crossing a busy road, unaware of approaching danger in the form of a rapidly moving car, your tongue is able to convey the idea which flashes to your mind by a warning shout — the fact that your idea has been conveyed to the other is shown by its effect on him in causing him suddenly to stop Some ideas are conveyed by movements, as in the deaf and dumb language, but for the most part by words, spoken or written.
In view of this it will be agreed that great care should be exercised in the words we use Words may cause pleasure, but also pain, they may call forth love or hatred, they may create indifference or arouse enthusiasm, soothe or irritate, make peace or war, they may reveal to men our true character or hide it.
Can we wonder, then, that Jesus said Every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt xii, 36) We shall have to give account of every idle deed as well, of course, but in some respects words are as vital as deeds and thus, on the authority of Christ, every word counts and must be accounted for finally, for they all make their impression and have their effect on our own character, as well as on those to whom they may be spoken.
The tongue is not like the ear, which ‘ receives” impressions only The tongue is an active member, and gives out impressions, and therefore needs controlling.
Control of the tongue means restraint, holding one’s tongue,” as we say It is a very common inclination to say too much, but a bridle is not simply for pulling a horse up, it is for guidance as well, or, to use another illustration, the ability to stop a vehicle is not the same as the ability to control It Both brake and steering wheel have their parts Some people do not say enough, although admittedly they are in a minority, and this characteristic may be just as much lack of control of the tongue as its opposite of verbosity What exactly is an idle word? The expression ‘ idle conveys the idea of not working or useless Scandal comes under this heading, since it is more than useless, being positively harmful It is unfortunately apt to be prevalent in small religious bodies where personal contact is generally intimate, and all the members are keenly interested in each other.
What about humor? Is this legitimate or is it idle? It would seem to depend largely on its quality Humor may be quite constructive and useful A sense of humor has eased many a difficult situation In these difficult times, when it is comparatively easy to become depressed in outlook, a touch of humor will often brighten a deep depression
But, foolish remarks and flippant references to subjects which ought only to be treated reverently, and the wit which displays itself in sarcasm are all of them idle, of no service and have no constructive object On examination of Ephesians v 4, where Paul forbids jesting, it would appear from the context that this has particular reference to a rather common type of jesting—jests of an immoral and objectionable character or purely silly observations.
The main object of all speech is to make oneself understood, and it is a mistake to use long words, difficult for others to understand.
In public speaking it is better to be brief than to be lengthy, since it is easier for the mind to retain that which is concentrated than that which is long and involved.
One reason why a lie is so despicable is that it is a misuse of a great gift for the object of a lie is to make oneself misunderstood.
A clock which cannot be depended upon to keep correct time is not only of no real use, but may cause real harm, also, a tongue which cannot be depended on to speak the truth, is a great evil Whilst few Disciples of Christ would be guilty of deliberately lying, yet it is very easy to get very close to it by giving a wrong impression whilst using an expression actually correct in the words used.
When in discussion one is endeavoring to establish one s own case and to overthrow an opponent s, it is a very common tendency to misrepresent the opponent s case by exaggerating its weaknesses, and by giving the impression that there are no weaknesses in one s own position The effect the Truth should have upon its adherents is to make them truthful, accurate moderate in speech, and sincere.
The Bible is a splendid example of ac curate, restrained language The sins of its characters are simply and plainly re corded as well as their virtues and attainments, without unnecessary embellishments.
The charge to let your yea be yea and your nay nay is binding upon us, and is expressive of the admirable quality of truth with brevity.
One ot the noticeable features of this age is the use of words without due appreciation of their meaning The word awful which is truly an expressive and beautiful word, and should be used in connection with subjects which arouse a feeling of awe, is applied to the weather or to someone’s appearance in a particular kind of head-wear Words are mutilated and spoiled by this bad habit and not only does It have the effect of robbing beautiful words of their value, but one is apt to discount rather heavily the remarks of one thus given to verbal exaggeration.
In the realm of speech the principles of the Sermon on the Mount operate just as in the sphere of action Retaliation in kind is forbidden by Christ, it is un-Christian to return evil for evil ” If anyone strikes you, you must not return the blow, neither must you take the offensive and strike another.
An actual fight between brethren is almost beyond imagination And yet, exactly the same spirit or mentality that betrays itself by the clenched fist, or the drawn sword, is seen in the biting retort, the angry repartee, or the sarcastic reply —and in the sight of God they are all manifestations of the spirit of strife and revenge inherent in human nature
The physical bully is a type objectionable to us all—the one who takes advantage of the weak by means of his superior muscular power, and yet, it is quite easy for one who has the advantage of a domineering personality, often accompanied by a loud voice and fluent tongue, to take advantage of those who may be quiet, slow of speech and of a retiring disposition Is not this equally objectionable?
We have to learn to control, not only the words we use, but the way in which we use them and the tone in which they are uttered Control of the tone of voice, the emphasis we lay on certain words, is a subject in itself, but one which is involved in the bridling of the tongue
We must remember that although, at times, sheer physical restraint must be exercised, and we must bite our lips to keep our tongue in check, yet there is a more excellent way.
This way lies in the training of the mind It is to build up a “thought-center” where dwells the mind of Christ, so that when an impression of an unpleasant character arises from without, and tends to arouse resentment, instead of a message being flashed to that portion of the brain which controls the muscles of the tongue, producing an angry retort, the message is flashed first to the thought-center, where dwells the mind of Christ, and is there checked, considered and analysed, and then the message given to the tongue will be greatly different—it will be the answer which Christ would have given — “the soft answer which turneth away wrath ‘
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One