*Misuse Of Tongue Judged*

  

*TEXT*: NUMBERS 12:1-16

*Key Verse*: "And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it" (NUMBERS 12:2).

     As recent as June 2020, a research study presented to the European Society of Cardiology confirmed once again the connection between the heart and the tongue. It found that microorganisms on the tongue could help diagnose heart failure. The study author said, "Our study found that the composition, quantity and dominant bacteria of the tongue coating differ between heart failure patients and healthy people."

     The heart-tongue connection holds particularly true in the criticism of Moses by Aaron and Miriam. Their words were a mishmash of petty jealousy, bitter resentment, and family gossip but the root of their dissent was in their hearts. God had no problem with Moses' marriage and why should they? God had chosen Moses above them both and who could resist His will? The criticism issuing from Aaron and Miriam impugned God's wisdom and judgement; the divine response was swift and severe. Miriam was struck with leprosy while Aaron pleaded for mercy. God hates evil speaking.

     Misuse of the tongue is high on the list of sins besetting the world today. Beyond mere words uttered, there are the numerous opportunities for gossip, slander, misrepresentation, outright lies and fake news offered by social media. Words, whether spoken or written, have the power to build or break the human spirit. Families have been torn apart and nations have gone to war because of the misuse of the tongue. The Scriptures refer to the tongue as a fire - a force for good if well managed but a mighty destructive force if permitted to run wild.

     Tongue-control measures advocated by psychotherapists and relationship experts are merely cosmetic. The taming of the tongue begins from the transformation of the heart. It is imperative to pray, like David, "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth..." (Psalm 141:3).

*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY*: True redemption starts from the heart and sits on the tongue.