Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Read Chapter 120
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
4. And thy Lord saith unto thee, "What shall be given thee, or what shall be set before thee, against the deceitful tongue?" (ver. 3). What shall be given thee, that is, as a weapon to oppose to the deceitful tongue, to guard thyself against the deceitful tongue? "Or what shall be set before thee?" He asketh to try thee: for He will answer His own question. For He answers following up his own inquiry, "even sharp arrows of the Mighty One, with coals that desolate, or that lay waste" (ver. 4). They that desolate, or that lay waste (for it is variously written in different copies), are the same, because by laying waste, as ye may observe, they easily lead unto desolation. What are these coals? First, beloved brethren, understand what are arrows. The "sharp arrows of the Mighty One," are the words of God ...What then are the "coals that lay waste?" It is not enough to plead with words against a deceitful tongue and unrighteous lips: it is not enough to plead with words; we must plead with...
Waste. Hebrew, "of juniper "or thorn trees, Job xxx. 4. The former is said to retain its heat a long time, and the latter is easily inflamed, Psalm cxvii. 12. Such fiery weapons have been often used, Psalm vii. 14., and lxxv. 3. Spiculaque et multa crinitum missile flamma. (Stat. Theb. v.)
How will God punish detraction? He will hurl his darts against the guilty, Habacuc iii. 11. (Calmet)
This is their reward, (Berthier) and what they deserve. (Worthington)
Charity and good example will best counteract their baneful influence. (St. Augustine)
