Abstract:
It is appropriate
to reflect on the ability of language in pursuing and establishing peace. This contribution
briefly explores the Jewish Wisdom literature, the Jewish-Hellenistic philosophy of the corpus
Philonicum and the wisdom genre of James 3 as valuable sources on the power of the tongue.
At least five practical guidelines regarding speech and its role in the creation of peace are
deduced from these three collections of literature: the tongue might be small, but its effects
are powerful; believers’ speech should be characterised by truth and honesty; there are times
when one needs to speak up and openly; but there are also times that one should be cautious
and rather keep quiet; wisdom is needed in exercising the ability to differentiate when to
speak and when to keep quiet. It is important, however, to develop the ability to distinguish
when to speak and when to keep quiet.
