The September, 1995 issue of National Geographic tells of a special trait that the human tongue has to heal itself and other parts of the body. Apparently, there is a natural anti-biotic in our tongues called �lingual antimicrobial peptide.� We are constantly taking in all sorts of potentially harmful micro-organisms, viruses, and other things into our mouths. However, God has made us so that our bodies can ward off these harmful organisms before they ever take root in our bodies.
Our tongues can be anti-biotic in another way as well. James 3:6 says, �the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.� But, the Bible also says that we can use our tongues to speak those things which are �good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers� (Ephesians 4:29). The difference is not in the tongue itself, but in how we use it. God designed our tongues to be �healers� not destroyers.
How we use our tongues depends upon our hearts. A gun can be used for hunting food, or for murder. The internet can be used to share and gain valuable information, or as a means of satisfying worldly lust and desire. Most anything can be used for either good or evil depending upon the intent of the person using it. Jesus said, �A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things� (Matthew 12:35).
Our tongues can be used to share the gospel, or to teach false doctrines.
Our tongues can be used to express our hateful anger, or to quiet someone else�s.
Our tongues can be used to lie about someone else, or to tell the truth about ourselves.
Our tongues can be used to start rumors, or to quiet rumors that others have started.
Our tongues can be used to hurt other people, or to heal the hurt that others have caused.
It all depends upon what is in our hearts. Do you use your tongue to heal hurts or to cause them? Is your heart what it should be before God? Get your heart right, and your tongue will be MUCH easier to control. God designed your tongue to HEAL not to HARM. Are you using it as God intended?