“A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.” (Proverbs 16:27)

A lady writes to one of those “Dear Dr…” columns about a complaint she has had for over forty years. She states that she has what can be described as a “burning tongue.” Her personal physician apparently showed little curiosity or concern. Convinced that she’ll never know the cause, the lady was asking for ideas from the professionals at the medical advice column. The responding physician replied that the woman likely has what is commonly known as “burning mouth syndrome.” He further stated that while specific medical causes for this condition are not always easily identified, there is testing that can be done and helpful treatments which are available.  He seemed a bit perturbed that both the woman and her physician had tolerated the condition for “way too long.” As I read about this medical concern, I recall thinking to myself how there are times when each of us could probably be diagnosed with a burning tongue that one might simply classify as a ‘sinfully social syndrome.’

Not long ago, a friend and I were taking a power walk along a path of a local park. We were chatting away when we began reminiscing about several former classmates, one of whom had lost her husband at a rather young age. The conversation turned to the reality that she had been left to finish raising two children.  While they were fairly young at the time of their father’s passing, the children would be adults now. Then, in the distance, three women approached us. As they came closer, one of them took off her sunglasses and greeted us with a warm smile and hugs.  To our dismay, it was the very classmate about whom we were speaking.  I looked at her and said, “You’re not going to believe this but we were just talking about you before you walked up to us.” We laughed, acknowledging that it had been a respectful conversation. But one can only imagine how we might have felt had we been gossiping about or maligning this individual in any way!  I’m not sure which is worse – a burning tongue, or egg on your face.

Badmouthing, slander, and defamation of character are all common ills of our society. Many today believe that gossip is a unifying force, the social glue that tends to hold a group together. That is, of course, unless you are the focused subject of the gossip. James, the half-brother of Jesus, explains why gossip occurs: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Sadly, it seems that everyone eventually finds himself or herself the recipient of gossip or tempted to gossip about others. The inclination to gossip is part of human nature, and taming the tongue requires God’s help. James issues a warning to those who profess to be Christians but fail to regulate their mouth. “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The tongue of we humans is sometimes compared to that of an energetic horse which needs a bridle to restrain its fierceness. When there are things that should not be said, a bridled tongue will help one refrain from speaking. When there are things that need to be said, a bridled tongue will assist one to say them in a manner that they would best be stated.

Half-truths and rush to judgment have become pervasive in our world, and they can destroy a reputation through social media or internet postings in minutes. “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish . . . Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge” (Proverbs 18:13,15). But it is not intelligence or truth that many are seeking. Rather they come to delight in spreading the spicy details of the latest scandal, having little concern for the wounded left in its path. Jesus put it this way: “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:34-37). If you think you may be in danger of having burning mouth syndrome, know that it is a condition that can be treated if you consult with the Great Physician. Otherwise when we come face to face with Our Maker, we can fully expect He might ask why we have allowed this sinfully social syndrome to go untreated way too long.

REFLECTION: What factors make it difficult for some to restrain their tongue? Is it always a sin to criticize? When and how might it be proper? How can you become more accountable for your words?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., FEBRUARY 16, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.