Babel

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

As I shared last week, my family traveled abroad to London during spring break, but we also spent time in Paris. Traveling outside of this country is always fun, interesting, and challenging. Our days in Paris were the most stretching, mainly because the people there speak French, not English, and all the signs and public words were mostly in French. The biggest obstacle was trying to maneuver our way onto the subway system and get where we wanted to go when all the signs were in French. So confusing! We figured it out with the help of a nice man who could tell we were unsure what we were doing. 

I am both fascinated and frustrated with different languages. The tour guide translated into three languages on one of our group excursions. I was mesmerized! I have never studied a foreign language. In high school, my only option was French, and I did not see the need for it. After visiting Paris, I wish I had! My college track did not require classes in a foreign language. Looking back and knowing then that people from all over the world would come to live in America and that I would travel abroad, I would definitely study a language. 

So, how did we get to the point of different languages and so much diversity? I have been reading through the Bible, and it wasn’t too long ago that I read about the Tower of Babel. Read it for yourself in Genesis 11:1-9. In the early chapters of Genesis, the people spoke a single language, and the world was united. In an attempt to make a name for themselves, the people decided to build a tower that reached the heavens. After doing some research, I discovered this tower was over 8,000 feet tall! Quite the feat for the ancient world. It was meant to symbolize human achievement, greatness, and self-reliance. 

But God saw their pride and their misguided attempt to elevate themselves to His level and chose to intervene. He confused their language so that they could no longer understand one another, scattering them across the earth. 

Language is fundamental to human connection. Before Babel, language united people; afterward, it became a barrier that scattered them.  It became a source of division, but it didn’t have to be. Thankfully, English is widely spoken worldwide, so many people we encountered on our trip were bilingual. We now have Google Translate, which can help us, too. The different languages we speak reflect the multifaceted nature of God's image.

The key verse above tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death. It shows how powerful language can be: it has the potential to connect or divide, to build or destroy, even when there is no language barrier. How we use our words matters, is powerful, and makes a huge impact. 

What seemed like a punishment to the people in Genesis 11 was actually God’s divine intervention. The scattering of the people at Babel led to the rich diversity we see in the world today-different languages, cultures, perspectives, and religions. This diversity serves as a beautiful reminder that God’s creation is vast and varied. 

Despite the diversity of people we encountered on our trip, one thing remains consistent: They are all human beings, created by God, with basic human needs, loved by God, and in need of a Savior. We need not leave America or our neighborhoods to immerse ourselves in different cultures because the world has come to us. We have an incredible opportunity to extend love where we are and to share Christ with those who may not know Him.

May this serve as a reminder to be kind and loving in our words and deeds toward those who are similar to us and those who are different. You never know how much of an impact this may have on someone’s life. 

Call to Action

In what ways do you use your words? Do they reflect unity or division? 

This week, be ever conscious of your words and strive each day to be positive, uplifting, and loving through them. Look for opportunities to speak the truth and to share through gospel conversations. 

How do you view diversity in the world? Do you see it as something to be celebrated and embraced, or do you focus on differences as a source of division? 

Take steps to learn more about different cultures. Meet and get to know a neighbor or church member with a different nationality. See what you can learn from them and teach them about your customs, traditions, and religion. 

Consider learning a new language. You can do this online at your own pace. Check out babbel.com.

Digging Deeper

Read these additional verses on the tongue and diversity: Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29, James 3:5-12, Revelation 7:9-10, Colossians 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 15:5-7

Prayer

God, thank you for your beautiful, diverse creation. Help us celebrate that and each other. May our words and actions reflect Your love for humanity. 

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens