MATTHEW 9:1-7 – And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home.”
A story was told about the heathen philosopher Xanthus. He was expecting some friends to dine with him so he ordered his servant Aesop to provide the best things the market could supply. The only available delicacy was tongue. The cook was ordered to serve them with a variety of sauces. Course after course was supplied, each consisting of tongue. “Did I not order you,” said Xanthus in a violent passion, “to buy the best victuals the market afforded?” “And have I not obeyed your orders?” said Aesop. “Is there anything better than a tongue? Is not the tongue the bond of civil society, the organ of truth and reason, and the instrument of our praise and adoration of the gods?” The very next day, Xanthus ordered him to go again to the market and buy the worst things he could find. Aesop went, and again he purchased tongues, which the cook was ordered to serve as before. “What! tongues again?” exclaimed Xanthus. “Most certainly,” rejoined Aesop, “the tongue is surely the worst thing in the world. It is the instrument of all strife and contention, the inventor of lawsuits, and the source of division and wars: it is the organ of error, of lies, calumny and blasphemies.”
The story provides a powerful illustration of the truth written by James in his New Testament letter – Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so (James 3:4-10).
The next time we find ourselves in a conversation, maybe a rather emotionally charged one, let’s remember we are serving up a meal of tongue. Let’s make sure it’s a delightful meal, and not a disgusting one. Let’s leave every conversation with our hearer or hearers not sick but lifted up.
PRAYER: “Father, I need Your grace to guard my tongue so that I won’t discredit You by my speech.”
QUOTE: “Our tongues will bring about much encouragement or discouragement to our hearers. Choose wisely.”