The Bible describes all kinds of tongues. We are studying tongues that are an unruly evil. Today we will study the crafty lying tongue.  Notice the unruly evil of a:

Crafty tongue – Job 15:5 – “thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.” A crafty tongue is cunning and skillful in devising and pursuing a scheme.  Absalom used a crafty tongue to steal the hearts of the men of Israel [2 Sam 15:1-6].  The Pharisees and Herodians used a crafty tongue when they tried to catch something in Jesus’ speech that they could use against him to accuse him [Mk 12:13-15].  Tertullus used a crafty tongue when he addressed Felix in Acts 24:1-4.  Contrast what these men said with what Nicodemus said in Jn 3:1-2.  Nicodemus was sincere.

Deceitful tongue – Ps 52:4 – “thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.” Ps 120:2, also.  This is the wily, subtle tongue just like the devil used against Eve in Gen 3.  In Eph 4:14 there are those who lie in wait to deceive young Christians.  Jacob had a very deceitful tongue, although he did not want to be known for it [Gen 27:12; 18-24].

Lying tongue – Ps 109:2 – “they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.”  This tongue must be put off when we get saved [Eph 4:25].  It is easy to spot; just hold up what it says to the truth.  Jezebel and the false witnesses lied against Naboth [1 Ki 21:8-13].  False witnesses lied against Stephen [Acts 6:11-14].  The old prophet lied to the young man of God [1 Ki 13:18].  These are rulers, religious leaders and prophets; and they are liars.

Perverse tongue – Prov 17:20 – “he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.” A perverse tongue deviates from what is right or good.  It is disposed to be contrary.  In Acts 20:30 Paul warned of men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. They take a side that is contrary to the preacher.  In 1 Tim 6:5 (see vs. 3-5) they take a side that is contrary to the words of the Lord.  Contrast the tongue of wisdom in Prov 8:8, which is never perverse.

Conclusion: be careful when others use these tongues against you.  And never use these tongues against others.