It is not a little remarkable, that the Apostle, when giving the anatomy of man's depravity, should dwell chiefly upon “the little member” with all its accompaniments — the throat — the tongue — the lips — the mouth. (Romans 3:13, 14.) Such a world of iniquity is it, defiling the whole body! (James 3:6.) We often see its mischief to others; here is the mischief to the man himself. The fool's lips enter into contention. This is folly indeed. The wise man may be drawn into it by infirmity of temper,† or by the force of circumstances.† But “as much as in him lies, he will live peaceably with all men,”† quenching even the first rising of contention.† The fool enters into it, by intermeddling needlessly with strife,† or wilfully stirring it up,† ‘like the alarm of war, and drums beating up to the battle.’† And thus he makes a rod for himself.† He puts a weapon into the hands of Satan, with which to beat his own head, and hammers him with fearful strokes.† The wilful contention of the men of Succoth and Penuel with Gideon called for strokes.† The mouth of the little children was their merited destruction.† The slanderous lips of Daniel's persecutors were the snare of their soul.† There is no need to dig a pit for the fool. He digs it for himself.† The mouths of wild beasts devour each other. The fool's mouth is his own destruction.† The fowler's snare is not wanted; for “he is snared by the transgression of his lips.” (Chapter 12:13.) He is not only the cause, but the agent of his own destruction.

And shall not the child of God watch in godly fear, lest his folly should call for his Father's stroke? Sharply may he “hew” by the sword. (Hosea 6:5.) He may be as if he would seem to kill, in order to make alive. All this is, that he may embitter sin, and endear returning mercy. Always is it wise and gracious love, as one of the father's says — ‘threatening, that he may not strike: and striking, that he may not destroy.’ If shewing the rod will effect the purpose, gladly will he forbear to strike. But if our folly — as Leighton speaks — ‘pulls punishment out of his hands.’† whom but ourselves have we to thank for the smart?