CHAPLAIN’S PAGE – Weapons Of Mass Destruction
The above quotation was familiar to all of us some years ago when it was believed that Saddam Hussain was in possession of such weapons. Throughout history it has been man’s aim to think up more effective ways of killing his fellow humans. With the invention of gunpowder, here, he thought, was the ultimate weapon to destroy his enemies. Subsequently, weapons have become even more destructive and powerful.
During World War II man had what he thought was the last word in destructive power, the atom bomb. For years, the nations lived in fear of some madman pressing the button and blowing whole cities to smithereens.
In this twenty-first century we have left behind the nuclear threat, and moved on to more sophisticated ways of bringing nations to heel. Computers, which contain a nation’s secrets, can be accessed and they would be defenceless in seconds. In spite of all this clever technology, and its possible repercussions, it hasn’t occurred to most people that man has been in possession of an even more deadly weapon since he first appeared on the earth. A portable weapon that is ready for instant use, the tongue!
How cleverly its potential is glossed over and ignored. In the right hands (or mouth!) it can be a very useful instrument. It can give comfort to the broken hearted, encouragement to the downhearted, and advice to the unwary. It can whisper sweet words of love, and at the same time its potential for evil is awesome.
How is it a dangerous weapon? Is there any warrant for such a statement? Indeed there is, for the Scriptures give warning after warning of its possible dangers. Both Testaments cry out their warnings, and as one would expect, they go unheeded. Every minute of every day someone is suffering character assassination. When will someone invent something to stop their evil intent? Thus it must be until the Lord returns and Satan is bound. In the meantime its evil, both at grass roots level, and in high places, continues apace.
The tongue can topple regimes and governments. On the other hand, and used diplomatically, it can diffuse ugly and dangerous situations.
A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
Thus said Solomon in Proverbs Cl5:1; that indeed is a wise saying, and we don’t always remember it when being provoked.
To go deeply into this subject in one short article is not possible. However, a few more scriptural references should confirm the importance of this subject. David, suffering the spitefulness of Doeg, the Edomite, made this reproval,
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continuÂally.
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah
(Psalm C52:1-3)
One can do much harm with a razor!
Solomon took it a stage further in Proverbs C6:16-19,
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
False witnesses could make another study. Throughout history, we wonder how many have been punished for crimes they didn’t commit. The most notable being our Lord Himself, found guilty and executed because of lying tongues.
All who speak lies about others are breaking the ninth commandment,
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Exodus C 20:16)
Chapter 23:1 of Exodus takes it a stage further,
Thou shalt not raise a false report.
So those who start rumours are equally guilty with those who spread them.
James, half brother of Jesus, made the analogy of a great ship being turned with a very small rudder (James C3:4-5.)
Liars and self deluded-prophets continue apace with their poison. May the day of their punishment come quickly.
