Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1046
Sweet Speech Sets Deadly Ambush
by Larry Ray Hafley
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; It speaks deceit; With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor, But inwardly he sets an ambush for him" (Jer. 9:8). This was written in the same context wherein Jeremiah describes his people as "an assembly of treacherous men" (v. 2). Certainly, those who sharpen their tongues like arrows that they may shoot them at the righteous are devious and dangerous. Their sinister schemes and undermining ways destroy the foundation of the faithful and cause them to fall.
(1) David dealt with such men. "But in my adversity they rejoiced And gathered together; Attackers gathered against me, And I did not know it; They tore at me and did not cease; With ungodly mockers at feasts They gnashed at me with their teeth" (Psa. 35:15, 16). Though David had treated them with kindness, they rewarded him with deceitful betrayal.
(2) Paul faced false brethren who secretly sought to sabotage his apostleship and thereby destroy the influence and impact of the word of the Lord (2 Cor. 10:9-12; Gal. 2:4, 5). Slyly, subtly, secretly they slandered the apostle, twisted his words, and forged his name to false teachings (Rom. 3:7, 8; 2 Thess. 2:1, 2; 2 Pet. 3:16).
(3) The Lord, too, labored amidst those who spoke peace but who set traps to ensnare him. "So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor" (Lk. 20:20). "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ’Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men’" (Matt. 22:15, 16). They sought to lower Jesus’ guard by uttering flattering words of praise. By so doing, they hoped that Jesus might answer their question about paying civil taxes to the Romans in a way which would curry favor with his Jewish countrymen. When he did so, they would deliver him to the Roman authorities.
Men today do the same things to faithful gospel preachers as were done to David, Paul, and the Lord. However, good men who are being reviled do not take offense at their own name being besmirched. Rather, they grieve that because of attacks against them, the truth is hindered and hampered. Dishonor and indignities will be heaped upon all who preach the word without fear or favor. It goes, as they say, "with the territory" (Cf. 1 Cor. 4:9-14). It is not fun. It is not pleasant. Despite that, we must accept it and preach the truth anyway. "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you" (Titus 2:15).
When brotherly kindness is repaid with cutting and cruel words, godly brethren do not regret the goodness they showed nor the help they gave. They do not say they wish they had not been kind to the one they tried to assist. Instead, they weep because a soul, without excuse, has departed from the Lord.
When such things happen, remember the words of the Lord Jesus: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:10-12).
