“For I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. Destruction is in its midst; oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.” These could be headlines in a newspaper today. But actually they are the words of King David from Psalm 55. Also, the first family of human history was ripped apart by the jealousy-driven murder of Abel by his brother Cain. As early as Genesis 6:11-13 the Bible says that the earth was filled with violence.
In Romans 1:28-32, the Apostle Paul defines the source of violence in the lives of people as well as the ultimate consequence. “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
The problem of violence has shown itself to be a problem for fallen man from the beginning of time. It has been the cause of nations rising against nations, one race attacking another, and the taking of life simply because it’s possible. Violence has also led to the collapse of many relationships and destroyed families.
Many of you would say, “This is irrelevant. I’m not a violent man.” You would be accurate. However, I believe we must still consider this problem for two important reasons. One, based on the truth of Scripture, the evidence of history, and our knowledge of human nature, none of us is exempt from the potential for violence. I believe the other purpose for this discussion is that some of us may be violent and not even be aware of the harm we are doing.
You may never use a weapon in anger or strike out at a person physically, but what about your words. We were told in the little saying we heard as children that “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me!” This is a lie. Some of the greatest damage done to people has come through hurtful speech being hurled at them. In James 3:5-6, Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
God recognizes the violence we can commit with a misplaced insult, an unkind name used of another, the gossip that can happen behind the back of someon, and just thoughtless comments. These attacks are especially hurtful when they happen within a family where one would expect to be treated with love and respect.
For this reason, God tells us to “tame our tongue”. The formula from the Scripture is easily followed. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (1 Samuel 22:1-4). The deeper we dive into the truth of God’s love and character, the greater we are protected from the enemy’s traps.