Tongue Twisters

In the Bible, as today, tongue has a literal meaning (part of the mouth) but could also mean "language" or "the power of speech." That last meaning is especially important in Scripture, which has a lot to say about humanity's use (and abuse) of the spoken word. Bridle your own tongue for a few minutes and put your eyes and brain to work on these questions dealing with the tongue, in all its meanings.

What great leader of Israel lamented that he was "slow of tongue"?
What New Testament man was made temporarily tongue-tied because he doubted the words of an angel?
Where were the apostles when "tongues of fire" descended upon them?
Who healed a mute man by touching his tongue?
At what notorious place mentioned in Genesis did the "confusion of tongues" occur?
What New Testament letter talks about the importance of "bridling" the tongue?
Which parable of Jesus speaks of a man in hell, begging for someone to cool his tongue with a drop of water?
What Old Testament book says that the tongue of a just man is like "choice silver"?
According to Psalm 140, what animal's tongue does an evil person's tongue resemble?
Complete this verse from Proverbs: "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings _______."

Bonus Puzzler

What New Testament epistle uses "tongue" or "tongues" more than 20 times?

Click here for answers.

3Rs and the Good Book

According to The Bible Literacy Report, a national study funded by the Templeton Foundation, 98 percent of the country's leading high-school English teachers believe biblical literacy gives students distinct educational advantages, but most teenagers lack enough understanding of the Bible to be able to receive what teachers recognize as a quality education. Forty-one of the nation's top-ranked teachers were asked what they thought students needed to know about the Bible. Forty of the 41 teachers said Bible knowledge gives students a distinct educational advantage. Ninety percent said it was important for both college-bound students and the general student population to be biblically literate.

Without a basic Bible knowledge, the teachers concluded, students are often "confused," "stumped" and "clueless" in analyzing literature.

Source: Associated Baptist Press, April 26, 2005. For more information, visit www.bibleliteracy.org.

J. Stephen Lang is the author of 15 books about the Bible, including the recently published What the Good Book Didn't Say (Citadel Press) and Talking Donkeys & Wheels of Fire: Bible Stories That Are Truly Bizarre! (Warner).

Read more articles that highlight writing by Christian women at ChristianityToday.com/Women

Tongue Twisters

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Tags:

Bible; Bible Study; Faith

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Theology & Spiritual Issues Spiritual Formation

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