“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:26-27).
Harsh, vicious, bitter, hostile, abusive speech comes from a murderous heart (Matthew 5:21-22). In light of Jesus’ stern words in Matthew 5:22, the seriousness and sinfulness of such unrighteous speech cannot be overestimated—”I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
What sobering words!
- A hostile spirit with the slightest of hair triggers restraining it is sinful.
- A sharp tongue ever ready to erupt on its victim with a hot lava of railing speech is sinful.
- A profane and abusive heart eager to pour out undeserved rage and condemnation on another is sinful.
On every level of human and divine government, righteous judges recognize the sinfulness of murderous speech.
Do you?
