Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s word and actions are to be taken seriously. God’s word touches every aspect of our lives and can only be ignored for so long. “Literally, a double-edged sword is a sword that has two sharpened edges. Figuratively, double-edged sword refers to something that has both good and bad consequences. When you are wielding a double-edged sword, you have to be careful not to cut yourself when trying to swing it at an opponent. Such a sword can be helpful (in striking your opponent) and harmful (if you strike yourself). If something is a double-edged sword, it will help you or be good for you but will also most likely hurt you or have a harmful cost.” (double standard, 2021)
Why should we fear the idea of a two-edged sword in today’s world, where we no longer carry swords? We may not carry physical swords, but our words can be just as damaging. The tongue is indeed a two-edged sword. Our words can cut both ways: in kindness and in hatred. We must be cautious and thoughtful in our speech, as Psalms 64:1-10 warns us to be hidden from the “secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless.”
Fear, many times, can act as a two-edged sword. It is a natural response to danger, but it must be controlled. Unchecked fear can paralyze us, causing us to miss opportunities. However, when we recognize and control our fear, it can keep us safe. Isaiah 41:10 instructs us to “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Second Timothy 1:7 advises, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” These verses remind us that we have the power to control our fear and not let it control us.
Honesty can be a wonderful attribute and is most admired in a person. However, honesty can also be a two-edged sword used with the intent to hurt or harm someone. Sometimes, there is information that is better left unsaid. A person who knows some horrible family history or a secret from years past may be of great interest. This same information could also open a lot of personal wounds that have healed over the last many years and did not need to be rehashed. The information may be accurate but serves no good purpose. No one cares that your great-great-great grandfather was a cheat. That information would only serve to hurt someone. Proverbs 10 tells us that a person who utter slander (true or not) is a fool. Proverbs 11 goes on to say that a person that goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
We depend on the media to inform us about world events. We also live in a time of politics, social upheaval, and discord are rampant. We used to be able to take the information at face value, but that is no longer true. Everything we hear and see must be considered, including where it originated. The liberal left tries to push for the Marxist communist agenda, and the ultra-conservatives are pushing the other way. The media is indeed a two-edged sword. It gives us a great deal of information that we would otherwise not know about, but the information may or may not be valid. Genesis 3:1-24 describes how the serpent twisted the truth and convinced Eve to take the forbidden fruit. In many ways, the news media has become the serpent, spreading misinformation to confuse the listener.
We all enjoy the idea of having a puppy to play with and keep us company. If you are not a dog lover, maybe it is a cat or some other pet. Having a pet is a source of great enjoyment, steadfast loyalty, and love. But this simple act can become a two-edged sword. With a pet comes responsibility and liability. Pets must be fed and cared for, so there will be expenses. Pets tend to protect their territory, so visiting folks may get bitten or scratched. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that God made the animals for our use. He also expects us to care for the animals properly. Solomon shows us that a righteous person treats animals well, and the wicked are often cruel and harmful.
The double or two-edged sword describes people, things, events, circumstances, and even our decisions. All of these items can give us satisfaction or put us in harm’s way. If we follow God’s rules, we can use the double-edged sword to our advantage. Psalm 149:6 states, “Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands.” And we should also remember Ephesians 6:11, which instructs us to put on the whole armor of God.