The phrase "arrows of bitter words" is a metaphorical expression found in the Bible, illustrating the destructive power of harmful speech. This imagery is primarily drawn from the Psalms, where words are likened to arrows, emphasizing their potential to wound and cause deep emotional or spiritual harm.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 64:3 : "who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows." This verse vividly portrays the malicious intent behind harmful speech. The psalmist describes the wicked as those who prepare their words with the precision and intent of a warrior readying his arrows for battle. The metaphor underscores the deliberate and targeted nature of such speech, intended to inflict pain and damage.

2. Proverbs 25:18 : "Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor." Here, the proverb extends the metaphor to include false testimony, equating it with physical weapons. The comparison highlights the severe impact of deceitful words, which can destroy reputations and relationships as effectively as physical violence.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical context, words are not merely sounds or symbols but carry significant weight and power. The metaphor of arrows suggests that words can penetrate deeply, causing lasting harm. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the power of the tongue, as seen in James 3:5-6 : "So too, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body."

The use of "arrows of bitter words" serves as a caution against the misuse of speech. It reflects the biblical principle that words should be used to edify and build up rather than to tear down and destroy. Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers: "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."

Practical Application:

For believers, the imagery of arrows calls for self-examination and restraint in speech. It encourages mindfulness about the potential impact of words on others. The Bible consistently advocates for speech that reflects the character of Christ, marked by truth, love, and grace. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

In a world where communication is instantaneous and far-reaching, the biblical warning against "arrows of bitter words" is particularly relevant. It challenges individuals to consider the consequences of their words and to strive for communication that honors God and uplifts others.Psalm 64:3
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Words of Our Lips.
... They shoot out their arrows, even bitter words, which wound a sister's
reputation, and leave scars which never pass away. Truly ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xl the words of.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... of the tongue; "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." Many, I
suppose, think it no harm to shoot out arrows, even bitter words, against the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Of Detraction.
... 7.39. we are not to wonder if there be more that will shoot their arrows,
even bitter words, against the best on earth, Psa.64.3. I ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iv of detraction.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... of the wicked; a character of those who work iniquity, to "whet their tongues like
a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words.". ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Psalm 64
... and make them cut like swords; In whose bent bows are arrows set,. ev'n sharp and
bitter words: ^4That they may at the perfect man. in secret aim their shot; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 64.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... laughed to scorn;" resembling those whom the psalmist thus describeth, "Who whet
their tongue like a sword, and bend their arrows, even bitter words, that they ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... of "the song of degrees," thou hadst given us sharp arrows and hot ... kind of bloated
and undigested discord which often belches forth bitter words, when crude ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book nine the end of.htm

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... therefore, be not afraid of their wrath though it is cruel, and of their anger though
it be fierce; let them shoot their arrows, even bitter words, against us ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... The words of our text are probably to be taken as ... man, ringed all round by enemies
full of bitter hate. Their arrows are on the string, their bows drawn to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... it to refer to Saul himself, but the bitter tone of ... thought which we find so prominent
in his words to Saul ... He has prepared weapons of death, His arrows He has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm

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