David could fight wars, but fighting flattery, gossip, rumors, and misinformation was rather a tougher fight. Tongues could be deployed for wicked or noble purposes. (Psalms 12:3-5) Is it possible to make people shut their mouths? Benjamin Franklin said, “Since I cannot govern my own tongue, though within my own teeth, how can I hope to govern the tongues of others?”
Divisive: Lying tongues, God hates them, are used for divisive purposes. Hate is a poison that separates communities. Suspicion is another toxic matter that separates even couples. Friends could be separated by sowing discord among them. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Destructive: Words can destroy people emotionally, psychologically, and mentally. An irresponsible word by a teacher could derail the future and career of a student. A sarcastic remark can wreck a marriage. It is like fire and could destroy like a spark destroys the forest. More sins have roots in the tongue. (James 3:6)
Disastrous: Wicked words and rebellious words could bring disaster to an institution, community, or city. False rumors have created havoc, riots, and mindless killings in cities. The words of the ten spies brought disaster to the Nation of Israel; they could not possess the Promised Land, and it was delayed by forty years. (Numbers 14:34)
Demonic: Some people use their tongue for negative purposes, always speaking from a pessimistic perspective. They even curse others. Magicians and sorcerers use words to do divination and perform wicked spells. King Balak believed that Balaam could bring a curse and defeat upon Israel. (Numbers 22-24)
Divine nature: Transformed Disciples of the Lord have their tongues deployed for good. A good word could cheer up a person who is depressed and anxious. (Proverbs 12:25) Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, that a truthful witness of the Lord could usher New Life. (Proverbs 18:21; 14:25) Using Fruit of the Spirit words is a blessing: Loving, Joyful, Peaceful, Patient, Kind, Good, faithful, gentle, and self-control words will be beneficial. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Do I deploy words for blessings?