Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue

Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue

The chameleon is a reptile, a colorful, curly-tailed lizard mostly known for its ability to change colors to match its surroundings. Their large eyes can be quite comical to look at, but those eyes can see 360 degrees and aid them in their avid hunting. Not all of the chameleon species can change colors, but those that do can turn beautiful shades of reds, yellows, purples and blues! One source mentions that a chameleon's mood, temperature, and health can also determine its ability to camoflauge itself. I find this especially interesting.
However, an even more amazing feature of this lizard is its tongue. The chameleon's tongue is extremely long and covered with saliva that is sticky, making the surface abrasive. It can reach almost twice its length, and can reel in prey about 1/2 the size of its body. The end of the tongue is similar to a club with a little flap that wraps around the victim and rolls the "food" back to the chameleon's mouth. He is a chewer, so the prey is soon devoured. This tongue allows the chameleon to catch its food while remaining motionless. Basically, the victim is caught so quickly, it never has time to fight back. Death is inevitable.

The Bible has a lot to say about the tongue, and most of it isn't good.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Deliver me, O Lord from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their hearts; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Psalm 140 1-3

How many times have we been hurt by the slicing of someone's words? How many times have we sliced someone with our own words? It doesn't take much, does it? It usually is joined with a haughty spirit too.
We think we know the right way without ever considering other options.
We so easily believe the first things we hear about someone or a situation because it is just way more interesting than to consider the information just might not be true.
We end up with regret after speaking out our feelings in the name of, "You just need to know how I really feel."
Since when do we feel it is necessary to speak our minds about everything as if our opinions are the only ones that matter?
We mistreat others because we feel we are on another level than they.
We unkindly cut down others in order to make ourselves look better.

Before I moved to Florida in 2002, I taught for ten years at City Baptist School with one of the greatest Christians on earth. Miss Hibbard loved teenagers with all of her heart. She was one of the kindest, most compassionate teachers I have ever met, and it was a privilege to work under her. I allowed her to be a mentor in my life, and asked her to kindly correct me if she ever felt I needed it. THAT turned out to be about every week because I was a young teacher who made all the typical mistakes! Anyone who knows Miss Pam will tell you that she can correct you, slice and dice you, hug you when she's finished, and you never even knew what happened. I've seen Chicago teenagers challenge her in a word war and just flat out lose. She has this kind way of winning the battle without ever losing her cool. Of course it is because she is a spirit-filled teacher, but I like to think of her as this amazing, sword-waving ninja in disguise.
What made the difference is her ability to close her mouth and not give her opinion even when she knew she was right.

Many times I watched her in action, but once in particular I have never forgotten. One night before a Pastors' School conference we had an issue with a freezer for one of the ice cream restaurants we were creating. For some insane reason she agreed to do three restaurants that year, and we were unbelievably tired. We had already stayed up for 3 days and nights straight trying to prepare for it, and exhausted and aggravated, we still had to teach our classes and then get back down to the church for the opening night. Well, there is always going to be someone who is jealous or mean when you are doing something good, and she ran into one of these people. They laid into her with mean words over something so petty and details that I knew just were NOT true. I was ready to punch them in the face and defend her like Peter defended Jesus with the sword, but she held my arm and glared at me with that "Miss Pam LOOK" that said, "Say one word and I'll kill you." When they left, I looked at her and said, "Miss Pam! Why don't you tell them they are wrong? How can you let someone talk to you so rudely when you are right?" She smiled that tight little smile of hers and said, "Stephanie, let them think that they are right. There is so much more to be concerned about right now." At 28, I didn't understand that, trust me. A punch in the face or an eye-glaring stare with a Satan hiss seemed to be the answer to me, but, oh, how wise she was to hold back. I was so lucky to learn from her that day.
If only we would learn to think before we speak.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27-28

Don't lie in wait to hurt someone with your tongue. Don't react to a situation and slice someone with words that are out there forever. The chameleon's tongue seizes and quickly rolls the prey right in--and you may take the words back into your own mouth-- but the damage has been done. It just isn't worth it.
Be a sword-waving ninja with a closed mouth.