Deadly Arrows

In the beginning was the Word... that very word of Creation, when JAH spoke and it was so. This is the Word, Sound & Power... the ancient concept that brings things into existence, from the commandments of JAH to the utterances of the Rastaman, to the instructions of a teacher or leader and branching further out to the most menial of purposes of everyday conversation. Created in His likeness, mankind was also endowed with this ability to speak and create. Yet, for thousands of years it has been known to the wise that the tongue has the power of both life and death. The same words that can be used to create and breathe life into someone can destroy them as well. Each one of us carries a deadly concealed weapon.

Since the dawn of civilization we have used words as the vehicles of our thoughts and ever since then we’ve lived in a society where we depend on words. After all, words are the center of our lives. They are the fabric that weaves in between the past, present and future. They are the channels that allow us to tune into each other’s lives. And while words serve their noble purposes, people also love to use them for petty reasons, either talking foolishness or wickedness. Often times, we feel that we must share our opinion on everything and everyone, especially in this “Age of Communication”... so many things to say, but few worthy things. We sometimes speak recklessly, without consideration, and do not even know of the power that we wield. Why are words so powerful? Because they pierce deeply, pass the flesh, through the bone, and into the soul. Words can’t be taken back and if we are not careful we will either harm someone or harm ourselves, ensnared by the very things we speak. It is no wonder why so many ancient tomes of wisdom have hundreds of teachings that warn against a reckless mouth. I especially like this metaphor from Psalms:

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. (Psalm 64:3)

The tongue lies, flatters, blabbers, boasts, backbites, and curses... it is truly destructive and easy to lose control, which is why we ultimately respect those who do know how to tame the tongue and instead use it to speak gentle words and healing words… words of Creation. Clean words encourage a clean mind and clean heart. Even if nothing good or constructive can be said then it is worthwhile not speaking at all and therefore break apart those “deadly arrows”. This war of words is nothing new, as the Scriptures reveal, and it is something that I definitely encounter in my daily life.

As an educator, I work in an environment where words and talking about people happen often. It comes with the job... communicating, directing, discussing. Socializing occurs on all levels, whether professionally with co-workers, in the classroom with students, or just casually venting, analyzing and criticizing. Reckless mouths are everywhere, and even the prudent teacher can fall to the level of a foolish juvenile... after all, bad habits catch easy. I have become aware of sometimes falling into the trap of the tongue myself, something I used to avoid, but now I must think twice because it flourishes in my work environment. It is just another one of life’s challenges to try and do the right thing, even if I am beset on all sides by destructive words, because as a Caribbean proverb says, “you can't stop you ear from hearing, but you can stop you mouth from talking.” It can end with me. It can end with you. The silent tongue can be the deadliest one, killing off the gossip, the rumor, and the wickedness. That is power! It is more powerful still, being in the position of a role-model and mentor to the next generation.

Remember to hold your tongue, cease fire and put down your weapon. Stop the malicious talk and speaking evil of one another because it spreads like wildfire... and everybody should know that the fyah bun! Yes, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in JAH sight!

Bless,
JAHsh