Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

Cor. 13:6). This misuse of the tongue may even imply “uncovering” facts that
are correct, or broadcasting events that occurred. How serious an issue this is,
can be understood from the guidelines Christ gives for dealing with the presence
of sin in the assembly! If Church member A believes that Church member
B has sinned against him, he has one of two options. He either covers it in
love (Lev. 19:17; 1 Cor. 13:7), or he rebukes Church member B (Lev. 19:17;
Lk. 17:13). Unless, of course, the sin is in the “public domain,” he may not
divulge it to anyone, not even to his pastor or spouse (Mt. 18:15). When he
does not receive satisfaction, he may share it with one or two others, but exclusively
as potential witnesses in a subsequent confrontation (Mt. 18:16).
Only if this does not produce the desired results, may it become public
knowledge in the congregation (Mt. 16:17). Clearly, the facts must remain
private, as much and as long as this is possible. In the congregation the members
interact with one another on a “need to know” basis!
In view of the seriousness of the issue under discussion it is not too
much to conclude that the abuse of the tongue under consideration in this passage,
whether consciously or not, appears rooted in hatred in one form or another
and to one degree or another. 341 The Bible does not only forbid the
abuse of the tongue, but also commands the proper use of the tongue. In order
for the tongue to be a “fountain of life” (Prov. 18:21), Paul writes that the
tongue must be exclusively used in a positive way. If a word does not edify
and does not minister grace to the hearers (Eph. 4:29), it stands by definition
condemned. Believers would do well to take note of Paul’s teaching! Of
course, this does not mean that “blunt” language has no appropriate place. To
be sure, while we never may call good evil by harshly condemning godliness,
we may never call evil good by gently stroking open and gross sins (Is. 5:20).
Too often drunkenness is called good fellowship, censorious talk good discourse,
doctrinal error new light on the subject, and rebellion zeal for public
welfare (So Manton, 381). One commentator suggests three steps as an antidote
to the misuse of the tongue in this context. Let us ever remember that the
end does not justify the means as a perpetual reminder for the tongue to remain
beyond reproach. Let us ever keep an open mind as a continuing reminder
to control the tongue and to give folks the benefit of the doubt. Let us
ever retain our integrity and biblical fidelity as an unending reminder for the
tongue to steer a transparent and pure course (Nystrom, 258-260).
In short, in order to be acceptable to God, there ought to be “family”
loyalty, or solidarity (Mitton, 165), among the brothers and sisters. This implies
that their words, all of them without exception, should have a positive
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See further for the importance of the tongue, Prov. 10:19-21; 12:13; 13:3; 17:27; 18:21;
38:1; 141:3; Mt. 12:34, 37.
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