Throughout the course of human history, humankind has engaged in various actions that are hurtful and damaging. One such sinful action is the damage done to others by our "wagging tongues." This has long been a problem, but it has become not just an epidemic - but it is now at pandemic levels with the various systems of communication we now have. With the internet and social media, it is very tempting for some people to engage in harsh language, vulgarities, attacks, and outright lies. These concerns are increasing daily. It is easy for some people to "hide behind" the internet and social media platform and make all kinds of statements seemingly without any repercussions. The reputations and good standing of decent and honorable people can be ravaged in a matter of moments.
For those of us who are professing Christians, we should be very careful to not engage in such tactics. The Bible is very clear about the damage that can be taken. Let me share these words from James 3:3-12: "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
I'm not sure that further commentary is needed. The book of James, which is a very practical book of action and application for believers, offers some very direct and understandable language on the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. James says, "The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell..." Strong language? Certainly! And it is a reminder that we should "tame our tongues," watch what we say and how we say it and be careful that we as Christians are not guilty of saying things that are unduly harmful to others.