“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
WHAT power is in the tongue!
“The power of life and death.”
What evils thence have sprung,
Not sparing old or young
With its envenomed breath,
Now the fondest trust betraying,
Now the fairest credit slaying,
Now with cunning serpent art
Stinging the most tender heart,
Truth and justice meanly spurning,
With hot coals of malice burning,
Envy's whisp'rings, fury's ire,
Icy sneers, and satire's gall,
Skeptics' lies, and reas'nings dire:
Though among the members small,
Deadliest weapon of them all!
What power is in the tongue!
“The power of life and health.”
What pleasures thence have sprung,
Cheering the old and young,
What mines of priceless wealth!
Now the tenderest accents pouring,
Now to heaven with praises soaring;
Soothing hours of bitterest pain,
Breaking the oppressor's chain;
Telling forth "the old, old story”
Of the Savior's cross and glory;
Life proclaiming to the dying,
Rest to the sin-burdened heart,
Balm for wounds, and joy for sighing,
Through the good Physician's art.
Well of life! man's greatest glory,
What can be preferred before thee?
Though among the members small,
Noblest member of them all!