Topical Bible: Sword of the Malicious Tongue

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The concept of the "Sword of the Malicious Tongue" is a metaphorical expression found within the biblical narrative, illustrating the destructive power of harmful speech. This imagery is not directly named as such in the Bible, but it is derived from various passages that describe the tongue's potential to inflict harm akin to a weapon.

Biblical References and Imagery

The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a sword to describe the tongue's ability to cause damage. In Psalm 57:4 , David laments, "My soul is among the lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords." Here, the tongue is likened to a sharp sword, emphasizing its capacity to wound and destroy.

Similarly, in Psalm 64:3 , the psalmist speaks of evildoers who "sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows." This passage highlights the intentional and targeted nature of malicious speech, suggesting that words can be wielded with precision to harm others.

The Power of the Tongue

The Bible underscores the power of the tongue in both positive and negative contexts. James 3:6 states, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This vivid description portrays the tongue as a source of great evil, capable of corrupting the entire person and spreading destruction.

Proverbs 12:18 further contrasts the outcomes of speech: "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." This proverb acknowledges the dual potential of the tongue—while it can pierce like a sword, it can also bring healing when used wisely.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The metaphor of the "Sword of the Malicious Tongue" serves as a cautionary reminder of the ethical responsibility that accompanies speech. The Bible calls believers to exercise restraint and wisdom in their words. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

Furthermore, Jesus teaches about the accountability of words in Matthew 12:36-37 : "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." This passage underscores the spiritual significance of speech and the importance of using words to edify rather than to harm.

Practical Application

In light of the biblical teachings on the power of the tongue, believers are encouraged to cultivate speech that reflects the character of Christ. Colossians 4:6 instructs, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This guidance calls for speech that is both gracious and wise, promoting peace and understanding.

The metaphor of the "Sword of the Malicious Tongue" serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for words to harm or heal. By recognizing the weight of their words, believers are called to speak with integrity, love, and truth, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their interactions with others.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 57:4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 25:18
A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Tongue.
... The second license given to the tongue is in the ... a man of sensitive feeling says,
The sword is less ... Did you never find a malicious pleasure in repeating all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor.
... must suffer in the most shameful and malicious manner, being ... Now, whatever is done
with the tongue against a ... although you do not wield the sword, you employ ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not bear false.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... accuser of the brethren, a murderous, envious, malicious calumniator; the ... all devouring
words, O thou deceitful tongue:" and, "A ... is a maul, and a sword, and a ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... a repentant heart, and has been a malicious and envious ... after his will and commandments;
for no tongue can express ... pull out the wicked with the sword, but only ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... the enemy to exact upon us, and the sword has been ... but at other times I have believed
his malicious accusation. ... of the cross, we felt that the tongue of Satan ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Pope Anterus.
... For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter, nor ... not only your eyes, but also
your tongue, pure. ... people, or with his neck beneath the sword should expiate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

Christian Meekness
... Meekness bridles the mouth', it ties the tongue to its ... This is the savoury meat which
the malicious man dresses ... hold it unlawful to take up the sword upon any ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Acts iv. 23
... a thousand battles far more difficult than his; by wrestling and fighting with
malicious demons, and fiendish spirits, with the tongue, not with sword, but by ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi acts iv 23.htm

John Chapter i. 33
... or when will faculty of tongue or heart suffice to ... What impediment can the malicious
herald put in your way ... heart more heavily who strike with the sword of the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate v john chapter i.htm

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ...
... Heb.9:36) which some fear more than either sword or flames. This persecution of
the tongue you must expect to go ... And he will follow you with malicious arts and ...
/.../chapter xvi the christian convert.htm