Having a “double tongue” is an idiomatic expression that appears a few times in the Bible. It refers to deceitfulness, insincerity, and hypocrisy in speech. The basic idea is that a person with a “double tongue” says one thing to one person but something different to another, or says one thing but means another. Let’s look at the key Bible passages that mention this expression and explore what they teach us.
Bible Verses about Having a Double Tongue
The main verses that mention having a “double tongue” are:
“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” (Psalm 12:2)
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:9-10)
The common theme is saying one thing but thinking or doing another – hypocrisy and deceit in speech. Let’s look at some specific points from these verses.
It Involves Flattering and Deceitful Speech
Psalm 12:2 mentions flattering lips and a double heart. So one aspect of having a “double tongue” is flattery and smooth, deceitful speech. Saying nice things merely to manipulate others or conceal your true intentions.
It May Include both Blessing and Cursing
James 3:9-10 condemns blessing God while cursing people made in His image. This duplicity in speech is characteristic of a “double tongue.” The tongue should be used to bless and build up, not to both bless and curse.
It Stem from a Divided Heart
Several verses connect the double tongue with a divided or double heart/mind (Psalm 12:2, James 1:8). It’s a heart issue – when our hearts are conflicted or seeking to please both God and man, it leads to deceptive speech.
It Harms Both Man and God
Verses like Ephesians 4:29-32 and James 3:9-10 show that deceitful speech harms both our relationships with others and our relationship with God. We grieve the Holy Spirit and mistreat others made in God’s image.
It Reveals Corrupt Character
A double tongue manifests underlying corruption – things like bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice (Ephesians 4:31). It’s not just careless but reveals deeper heart issues.
It Violates Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus expressly prohibited speaking with a “double tongue” when he said:
“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
He wants our speech to be sincere, trustworthy, and consistent. A double tongue violates these ideals.
How to Avoid Having a Double Tongue
Based on these verses, here are some tips to avoid speaking with a double tongue:
- Pray for wisdom and integrity in speech (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6-8)
- Let your words build others up (Ephesians 4:29)
- Speak truthfully and plainly without manipulation (2 Corinthians 4:2)
- Avoid flattery (Proverbs 26:28, Psalm 12:2-3)
- Be consistent in public and private speech (Psalm 15:2-3)
- Ask God to unite your heart in fear of Him (Psalm 86:11)
- Think carefully before you speak (Proverbs 15:28)
The key is maturing and purifying our hearts before God, through time in His Word, prayer, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our words will be sincere when our hearts are united in purpose.
Examples of a Double Tongue
To illustrate what it means to speak with a “double tongue,” here are some examples:
- A husband lavishes his wife with praise in public but is harsh and critical in private
- A pastor preaches about love but gossips maliciously behind people’s backs
- A friend pretends to support your decisions but secretly undermines you to others
- A salesman flatters the customer but sells defective products
- A politician makes promises to get elected but abandons them in office
- A churchgoer acts spiritual on Sunday but lives worldly the rest of the week
In each case, their words conceal or contradict their true thoughts and intentions. This duplicity erodes trust and causes discord.
Biblical Examples
The Bible contains many cautionary examples of those who spoke with a double tongue:
- Jacob deceived his father to steal his brother’s blessing (Genesis 27)
- Delilah flattered Samson while betraying him to the Philistines (Judges 16:4-20)
- Absalom feigned loyalty to King David while plotting against him (2 Samuel 15:1-12)
- The Pharisees pretended righteousness but were full of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-36)
- Ananias and Sapphira lied about their generous giving (Acts 5:1-11)
- Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss after calling him “Rabbi” (Luke 22:47-48)
Their divided hearts produced conflicting words and ruinous results. We must guard against such deception in our own speech.
God Hates Those with a Double Tongue
In Scripture, God reserves some of his harshest condemnations for those who speak with a double tongue:
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” (Malachi 2:16)
Why does God react so strongly? Because deceitful speech:
- Harms others
- Profanes His name
- Reveals evil desires
- Erodes trust
- Damages truth
It goes against His holy and truthful character. As His followers, we must value sincerity and shun manipulation.
Blessings of an Honest Tongue
Though Scripture condemns a double tongue, it praises those who speak honestly and sincerely:
“The hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9)
“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.” (Psalm 15:1-3)
“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” (Proverbs 14:25)
Such speech reveals our reverence for God, love for others, and commitment to truth. It brings life and healing to relationships.
Though we may stumble at times, our aim as Christians should be speech that is “always gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). As we walk in God’s transforming grace, our tongues can better reflect His truth and love.
Conclusion
Speaking with a “double tongue” goes strongly against Biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and love. Though we may be tempted to manipulate others through our words, God calls us to a higher standard. By examining our hearts, thinking carefully about our speech, and walking in God’s truth, we can avoid the corruption of a divided tongue. Through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, our words can honor God and bless others.