The Tongue: Fire in a Time of Good or Evil

The anti-Christ Korihor traveled throughout the land, his “great swelling words” proclaiming lies and blasphemy among the people. When Alma withstood him brilliantly, Korihor demanded a sign, and the Lord’s sign was to make him unable to speak. Without speech Korihor had to beg for food and was soon trampled to death as he did so. As Christ and his prophets have warned, the tongue, like fire, has tremendous destructive power in a time of abuse, but the gift of language blesses us when used with the Savior’s love.

In a Time of Abuse

James explained, “The tongue is  a little member . . . [but] how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” James was blunt and direct, referring to the fire of the tongue as “a world of iniquity,” “set on fire of hell” (James 3:5-6).

Tongue abuse is the tool of mental, emotional, and spiritual abuse. In a time of intimidation and threats, it contributes to physical and sexual abuse as well. With its extenders, writing and technology, it “berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others” (Holland, 2007).

Russell M. Nelson is passionate: “Any kind of abuse . . . is an abomination to the Lord. He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed” (2022, emphasis in original).

Tongue abuse is abuse that keeps on giving. A time of abuse does not pass when its circumstance seems to have passed. Even when forgiven, it remains in the heart and mind with subconscious questions: “Am I really ugly, foolish, selfish, boring, unlovable,” or whatever the abusive tongue has planted. Some may turn away from pointing cameras or recording devices throughout their lives.

“You are WRONG” from an abusive tongue echoes through the years. Tongue abuse of children is particularly damaging, as they have had less time to build resilience and have more time left to experience damage.

In a Time of Misuse

When bystanders criticized his followers’ hand hygiene, Christ taught a lasting lesson: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” What the tongue sends forth out of the mouth “come[s] forth from the heart; and . . . defile[s] the man”(Matthew 15:11).

Some tongue messages emerge in a time of thoughtless misuse rather than abuse, but can still defile the individual who uses them. The tone (thus intent) with which something is spoken carries a message. A shaming tone is tongue abuse, as it plants negative judgment in the recipient’s heart and mind. Sarcasm is often hurtful, even when intended as humor.

In a time of selfishness, a whining tongue is misuse. Jeffrey Holland advised, “please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse” (2007).

In a Time of Blessings

We might extend the biblical image by James: Fire can often be destructive, but it also brings light, warmth, security, and joy to the human family. Spirit as well as control and focus can turn  a dangerous “member” to a sublime gift of God.

In Lectures on Faith (1985) we read of the sacredness of language:

It is by words  . . . [that] every being works when he works by faith. God said, ‘Let there be light: and there was light.’ . . . Faith, then, works by words; and with [words] its mightiest works have been, and will be, performed.

Modern scripture specifies that words are “sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit” (D&C 63:64; both quotations and their blend as used by Jeffrey R. Holland, 2007).

Paul wrote of important tongue blessings:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. . . . And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4: 29, 32)

With language we pray, accept ordinances, administer blessings, teach about the Savior, share the Savior’s grace and His love. Tongue blessings include expressing love to family members, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

We find a time for helping others become aware of their strengths, their gifts, their accomplishments, and their contributions. Tongue blessings might include these: “Thanks for sharing your talent for drawing,” “you have a gift for understanding people,” “you are selfless in giving your time to help others,” “you show us ways of being disciples of Christ.”

We also find a time to talk about people and things that are important to us. And we find a time to listen as others share their experiences, feelings, and ideas.

The less time we waste on language abuse and misuse, the more time we have to share the incomparable love of our Savior and the joy we feel each day to be among His children.