War of Words

Dear Huldah,

It is so upsetting to turn on the news anymore because people just seem to be fighting all the time. No one agrees about anything and everyone points the finger at everyone else. I can’t help but wonder where this is going to take us. I see what is happening in Egypt and I get worried for us. Even some of my neighbors have had heated debates. Does the Bible say anything about this kind of fighting?

Thank you,

Lillian J.

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Dear Lillian,

It is ever so true that within our nation today we are deeply rooted in a war with words, and like a fire, it is spreading rapidly.

The scriptures are quite specific about the dangers of the tongue.

James 3:5-10

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great the forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

The tongue is a powerful weapon. It can be used to build, and it can be used to tear down.

Pro 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

By the words of even one man can a nation be saved or destroyed.

Pro 12:18

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

However, we all have choices concerning our speech, and we will all be held accountable before God as to the words we chose and how we chose to use them.

Mat 12:36-37

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

As hard as this is for people to grasp, the solution to this kind of war begins with us as individuals and in within our sphere of influence.

Col 4:5-6

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

When we open our mouths we need to think about the lasting affects it may have. Ask yourself some questions.

Does my speech lift up or tear down?

Will I regret these words later?

Will these words bring me trouble?

Do the words on my tongue defend the innocent or further the cause of evil?

Are these words of wisdom, or words of foolishness?

Would my silence benefit the situation more than my speech?

Solomon once said that there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent.

Pro 10:19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Pro 17:27

He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Lillian, neither you nor I can win the war of words going on in our country. However, we can win battles within our own circles by PRAYERFULLY choosing our own words carefully.

Pro 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

My final advice:

Do not look to your right or to your left. Do not focus on what others are saying and doing. It only causes distraction and fear. Stand strong for Truth; defend the helpless and the innocent, speaking with as few words as necessary to get the job done. Pray for God to convict the hearts of your neighbors as well as bring salvation. Pray forgiveness and mercy for America. And when fear begins to creep in again, remember God’s words:

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

May God’s words penetrate your heart.

Maidservant Huldah