The “tongue of the learned” is a phrase that appears in Isaiah 50:4 in the Bible. It refers to the ability to know how to sustain the weary with a word. This article will examine the meaning and significance of this phrase in its biblical context.
Isaiah 50:4 in Context
Isaiah 50:4 states: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”
This verse appears in the section of Isaiah often called the “Servant Songs,” chapters 42-53. In these passages, the prophet describes the servant of the Lord who will suffer, be rejected, and ultimately be exalted. While there have been various interpretations, Christians see these passages as prophecies about Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 50, the servant speaks in the first person about his obedience to the Lord. Even though he suffers abuse from others, he does not retaliate but entrusts himself to God. It’s in this context that the “tongue of those who are taught” appears. The servant has been given special ability with words directly from God.
Definition of the Tongue of the Learned
The exact phrase “tongue of those who are taught” only appears here in Isaiah 50:4. But looking closely, we can understand its meaning:
- “Tongue” refers figuratively to speech itself, the ability to express oneself verbally.
- “Those who are taught” uses the Hebrew word limmud meaning taught, discipled, or trained.
Together, this describes someone who through learning has the skill to know what to say and how to say it well. Their speech itself has been shaped by education and training.
Skills of the Learned Tongue
Specifically, Isaiah says this learned tongue will:
- “Sustain the weary with a word” – Speak in a way that encourages and motivates those who are exhausted and losing hope
- “Awaken my ear to hear” – Be able to listen and gain understanding through instruction
So the tongue of the learned is speech that uplifts others and teaches, coming from one who also knows how to listen and learn. This fits well with the servant’s calling described in this passage.
Jesus as the Servant with the Learned Tongue
Christians interpret Isaiah’s servant songs as ultimately pointing ahead to Jesus. Though fully divine, Jesus was also the suffering servant who went to the cross. He demonstrated the gentle, uplifting speech described in this passage.
Jesus Listened to God
Jesus’ words came from listening to the Father. He only did what the Father instructed (John 5:19-20). He often arose early or went to deserted places to pray and hear from God (Mark 1:35). His listening equipped him with the learned tongue: “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me” (John 7:16).
Jesus Sustained the Weary
Throughout his ministry, Jesus refreshed those who were exhausted under religious demands and social burdens. His teaching brought new life. To the woman caught in sin, he gently said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). Even when tired and hungry, he took time for the woman at the well, offering her living water so she’d never thirst again (John 4:13-14). With compassion, he invited all the weary: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Jesus Awakened Ears to Hear
Beyond physical healings, Jesus enabled people to truly hear his message. He explained that spiritual perceptiveness came from God: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). Jesus taught in parables both to reveal and conceal truth, awakening seekers while hardening those closed off (Matthew 13:10-17). His words cut to the heart, pushing past prejudice and apathy in listeners like Nicodemus and the woman at the well.
Applying the Learned Tongue Today
For Christians, Jesus perfectly models the gentle, uplifting, and enlightening speech of the learned tongue. But believers can also cultivate this manner of speaking, through God’s enabling Spirit.
Speak from a Place of Learning
Our communication should come from prayerful study of Scripture. Like Christ, we speak best when we first listen to God. As James says, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Time in God’s Word equips us to offer wise and gracious counsel.
Build Up the Weary
With humility, we can acknowledge that at times we all feel worn down emotionally and spiritually. Speaking to uplift others requires vulnerability, compassion, and hope. Paul guides us: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
Open Ears to God’s Truth
Only God can give spiritual understanding. But he calls us to teach in ways that make listeners receptive. Speaking with gentleness and respect, as Peter advises (1 Peter 3:15), creates an environment where the Spirit can work. We prayerfully sow the seed; God awakens hearts to respond.
The Purpose of the Learned Tongue
This learned manner of speaking points people to Jesus through the tone and content of our message. Like Christ, we’re called to be patient, humble, and self-sacrificing as we engage others. Speaking this way isn’t easy on our own. We need the Spirit’s help.
Ultimately, our purpose is to testify to the grace of Jesus Christ. He alone had the tongue of the learned to perfection, sustained the weary, and awakened spiritual life. All the servant songs find their fulfillment in him.
Other Biblical References to Wise Speech
While only Isaiah uses the specific phrase “tongue of the learned,” many other Bible passages address the importance of wise, grace-filled, edifying speech:
Proverbs 10:19-21
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many.
Here Solomon warns against excessive words that tend toward sin. But the wise tongue is precious, giving life to others.
Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Reckless words wound, while the wise tongue (like the learned tongue in Isaiah 50:4) has a healing effect.
Proverbs 15:2,4
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly…A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Again contrasting wise and foolish speech, Solomon commends the gentle tongue that revives the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Gentle, uplifting words (like from the learned tongue) bring life and health.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Paul instructs us to purge corrupting speech and speak to build up others, extending grace.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Again, our words should impart grace, wisdom, and hope to those who listen.
James 3:5-10
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire…It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.
James offers a strong warning about the danger of the unchecked tongue. But clearly some are able to tame it, with God’s help, to speak blessing and life.
1 Peter 3:10
Whoever desires to love life and see good days…let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
Restraining the tongue from corrupting speech is key to a life of blessing.
Conclusion
The tongue of the learned, introduced in Isaiah 50:4, offers a model for speaking words of grace, healing, and restoration that reflect the heart and mission of Christ. Though we cannot match Jesus’ perfect example, Scripture gives abundant guidance for taming our tongues and cultivating speech that builds others up with God’s truth spoken in love.
