Venom, Vitriol, and Victory
This article by Joel Minderhoud uses the biblical imagery of vipers and their venom as an extended metaphor for the spiritual dangers of malicious speech, slander, and false accusation. Drawing on Old Testament and New Testament passages, Minderhoud explores how the poisonous tongue dishonors God and harms the body of Christ, applying ancient scriptural warnings to contemporary Christian ethics and sanctification.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips -- Psalm 140:3. Snakes such as mambas, cobras, and rattlesnakes engender fear, not just because they are scaly, fork- tongued, belly-slithering, lurking creatures, but primarily because of the toxic venom with which they could suddenly poison us. This venom is feared for good reason -- it can have serious biological effects, culminating in paralysis and even death if left untreated. Similarly the Bible teaches...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org