Topical Encyclopedia
The term "double-tongued" is used to describe a person who is deceitful or insincere in their speech, often saying one thing to one person and something different to another. This characteristic is generally associated with hypocrisy and a lack of integrity, which are strongly condemned in the Bible.
Biblical References:The concept of being double-tongued is directly addressed in the New Testament, particularly in the context of church leadership. In
1 Timothy 3:8, the Apostle Paul provides qualifications for deacons, stating, "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money" . Here, being double-tongued is listed alongside other disqualifying behaviors, emphasizing the importance of honesty and consistency in speech for those serving in church leadership.
Related Concepts:1.
Hypocrisy: The Bible frequently condemns hypocrisy, which is closely related to being double-tongued. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocritical behavior, as seen in
Matthew 23:27-28, where He calls them "whitewashed tombs" that appear beautiful outwardly but are full of dead bones and uncleanness inside.
2.
Truthfulness: Scripture consistently upholds truthfulness as a virtue.
Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" . This underscores the expectation for believers to speak truthfully and avoid deceit.
3.
Integrity: Integrity is a key biblical principle, and being double-tongued is antithetical to living a life of integrity.
Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" . Integrity involves consistency in words and actions, aligning with God's truth.
Moral and Spiritual Implications:Being double-tongued is not merely a social faux pas but a serious moral failing with spiritual implications. It reflects a divided heart and a lack of commitment to truth, which can lead to discord and mistrust within the community of believers.
James 3:10-11 warns against the inconsistency of speech, stating, "Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" . This passage highlights the expectation for believers to maintain purity and consistency in their speech.
Practical Application:For Christians, avoiding double-tongued behavior involves cultivating a heart aligned with God's truth and allowing that truth to guide one's speech. This requires self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to honesty in all interactions.
Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another" . By doing so, Christians can build trust and unity within the body of Christ, reflecting the character of God in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Making contrary declarations on the same subject; deceitful.
Greek
1351. dilogos -- given to repetition,double-tongued... given to repetition,
double-
tongued. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
dilogos Phonetic Spelling: (dil'-og-os) Short Definition:
double-
tongued...Library
Whether Tale-Bearing is a Sin Distinct from Backbiting?
... Objection 3: Further, it is written (Ecclus.28:15): "The tale-bearer [Douay:
'whisperer'] and thedouble-tongued is accursed." But adouble-tongued man is...
The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden.
... no grudge. [2397] 4. Thou shalt not be double-minded nordouble-tongued;
for to bedouble-tongued is a snare of death. [2398] 5. Thy...
1 Timothy iii. 10-Aug
... paul the apostle to the thessalonians. Homily XI. 1 Timothy iii. 8-10. 1 Timothy
iii.8-10 "Likewise must the Deacons be grave, notdoubletongued, not given much...
The Second Epistle.
... and confounded. For confusion and penitence are upon the thief, and the
worst condemnation upon thedouble-tongued. Moreover, for...
The Duties of Deacons, Youths, and virgins.
... They must not be slanderers,double-tongued, [367] or lovers of money, but temperate
in all things, compassionate, industrious, walking according to the truth...
Of God and his Affections, and the Censure of Epicurus.
... But if he understood one thing and spoke another, what else is he to be called
than a deceiver,double-tongued, wicked, and moreover foolish?...
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... 4Do not be double-minded ordouble-tongued, for a double tongue is "a deadly snare."
[484] ?^5Your words shall not be dishonest or hollow, but substantiated...
On the Tongue
... out of thy mouth. Curse the whisperer anddouble-tongued: for he hath
destroyed many that were at peace. A third person's tongue...
Letter xxxviii (Circa AD 1135) to his Monks of Clairvaux.
... But if, which God forbid, there be among you any whisperer, or any that is
double-tongued, a murmurer, or rebellious, or impatient of discipline, or restless...
That Tale-Bearers are Accursed.
... In Ecclesiasticus, in Solomon: "The talebearer and thedouble-tongued is accursed;
for he will disturb many who have peace." [4614]. Footnotes: [4614] Ecclus....
Thesaurus
Doubletongued (1 Occurrence)...Doubletongued (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave,
not
doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (KJV).
...Double-tongued (1 Occurrence)
Double-tongued.Doubletongued,Double-tongued. Doubling . Noah Webster's
Dictionary...Doubletongued,Double-tongued. Doubling . Reference Bible.
Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... English Versions of the Bible "full of tongue" (Sirach 8:3; 9:18), glossotomeo,
"to cut out the tongue" (2 Maccabees 7:4), diglossos, "double-tongued" (Sirach 5...
Lucre (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, notdoubletongued, not given
to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, notdouble-tongued, not
addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV)....
Indulging (4 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, notdouble-tongued,
not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; (See NIV)....
Fond (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, notdouble-tongued,
not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; (See NAS)....
Filthy (22 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, notdoubletongued, not given
to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Reverent (8 Occurrences)
... Reverent (8 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent,
notdouble-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; (WEB)....
Dishonest (33 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, notdouble-tongued,
not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; (See NIV)....
Resources
What does it mean to have a double tongue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Codex Gigas? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to receive a double portion? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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