Don't Let the Redemptive Beauty of a Silver Tongue Tarnish
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
Should we want a silver tongue?
If you "Google" silver-tongued, you might find something like—a person who has a clever way with words. Or, the old song, The Silver-Tongued Devil and I might pop up. It alludes to the dark and evil side of a person hidden behind a saintly smile. Obviously, to be silver-tongued gets a bad rap in public opinion and Google searches!
So, could it ever be a good thing to have a tongue of pure silver? Yes!
Pure silver—when it's clean and polished—is beautiful. It shines with a mirror-like luster and understated dignity. Pure silver reflects everything around it through its beauty.
But silver exposed to the elements tarnishes. Atmospheric elements interact with the surface of the silver—it oxidizes. At first, the oxidation turns the silver a dull, brownish color. If left unpolished, the silver will turn black.
This reminds me of the influence worldly culture can have on me when exposed to it for a long time. It “tarnishes” me. The influence of the surrounding culture dulls the luster of God’s nature reflected in my life.
Silver is often the means of purchasing or redemption in the Bible. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver (Gen 37:28). Much later, Judas betrayed Jesus—who purchased redemption for all humanity—for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:15).
When I find myself “tarnished” by worldly culture, I realize my need for the truth of God’s Word, the purifying power of God’s Spirit, and being present with God’s people. I need to be polished by their restorative influence.
God’s redemptive work is an internal work of God’s Spirit in us. It brings an internal change that shines through us to the outside. We get a sense of this from the context of the surrounding verses in chapter 10 of Proverbs.
Scripture
Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips.
Whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk,
but whoever seals his lips is wise.
The tongue of a righteous person is pure silver.
The hearts of wicked people are worthless. (Proverbs 10:18-20 GW)
(Context—Proverbs 10:8-21 GW)
Simple Insights
We find the key to the verse about the tongue of a righteous person being pure silver within the context of its nearby verses. Contrasting statements clarify the intended meaning—the exact opposite of the popular perception of a silver tongue.
When I seek to understand a verse in Scripture, I look at the context first, then observe anything the specific wording reveals. I'll compare various Bible versions to help me with other word usages for the same verse.
What stands out as most obvious is the comparison and contrast of the worth of the tongue or lips of a righteous person with the value of the heart of wicked people.
Why does this stand out? The tongue and the heart are different parts of the body having different functions. This is figurative language that illustrates the intended meaning.
The tongue represents a person's mouth and what they say, as made clear from the context of the nearby verses. The heart represents a person's inner being—their nature.
As so often is the case, Jesus helps us connect the dots for a clearer sense of the meaning. In response to some self-righteous religious leaders, He said—
You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matt 12:34)
Jesus was blunt and direct in saying this. It stung those “vipers,” whom we might call “silver-tongued devils!” We've all said something out loud we wished hadn't come out. Then try to excuse it or explain it away.
The greater context of Proverbs 10:20—verses 8-21—speaks to our need to choose wisely what we hold in our hearts and minds. Eventually, what we say will reveal our true nature.
The redeeming power of the truth prevents us from being tarnished by the influence of untruths in our culture.
Reflection—
We all need to be careful about what we hang on to and hold in our hearts and minds. Ultimately, the words we speak—what’s in our hearts and minds—will reveal our true nature.
Prayer Focus—
Guarding what comes out of our mouths requires constant self-monitoring, but often seems like an impossible challenge. Prayer—continuous prayer—and the constant presence and guidance of God's Spirit enable us to overcome this challenge.
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