What do you mean by that?

The next chapter in First Corinthians begins to deal with our speech.  Verse two states "...he that speaketh in an (unknown) tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God."  If the italicized word "unknown" is removed, since it was added by the translators, a new meaning emerges.  Often words taken out of context create a whole host of problems when understanding scripture. We are not taking the word "unknown" out of context, simply removing it for clarification of the word "tongue."

Thus stated, for a moment let us look at "tongue" and it's meaning.

The Greek word defining tongue, simply stated means, "language."  Quite clearly, it is the way human beings communicate one to another.

Webster's 1828 defines "tongue" further as speech; This blogger would add, discourse or power of articulation to the meaning.  Whether English, Greek or Hebrew, tongue/language is the string of words that sounds out to another thoughts to explain or describe a given subject.  

Then, verse 2 moves on to explain that "he that speaketh in an (unknown) tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:..." In other words, ONLY GOD really knows what one means when thought is put into the spoken word.  ONLY GOD, really knows what motivates one to speak.  ONLY GOD knows what is in the heart of man that must be expressed in outward speech.  

Scripture gives many observations regarding our speech to one another:  Proverbs 18.21 warns, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." 

• Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying,... Eph 4.29Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  Ps 141.3
• Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Ps 19.14
• My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Ps 49.3
• the froward mouth, do I hate.  Pro 8.13
• He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Pro 18.13
• Death and life are in the power of the tongue: Pro 18.21
• Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Jms 1.19
• A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Pro 15.1
• The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  Ps 37.30, 31
• Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Pro 16.24
• Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Pro 21.23
• And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col 3.17
• A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:... Pro 15.4
• but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Jms 5.12

Finally, this blogger would add a wonderful, frightening thought since "death and life are in the power of the tongue," What do you mean by what you say?  The toddler song would put it this way, "O be careful little tongue what you say, O be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love, O be careful little tongue what you say...."

Amen and God bless.  Ps 57.7