Scripture solemnly warns that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it defileth the whole body” (James 3:6, KJV). Words matter to God. They can edify or destroy, unify or splinter, glorify Christ or serve the flesh. Tragically, among some who champion KJV-onlyism and perfect Textus Receptus (TR) ideologies, the sin of the tongue has manifested in harsh judgment, elitism, and even spiritual abuse—particularly toward Mandarin-speaking pastors and believers who use other translations. Let us confront these sins with biblical clarity, grace, and a call to repentance.
When we elevate the KJV or TR to a position of absolute inerrancy—beyond what Scripture itself claims—we risk idolatry. This pride often fuels words of condemnation toward others. To declare modern translations “corrupt” or label their readers “unfaithful” is to wield the tongue as a weapon (Proverbs 12:18). Such rhetoric mirrors the Pharisees, who burdened others with man-made standards while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith” (Matthew 23:23).
Extreme separatism fractures churches over secondary issues. Paul rebuked those who caused divisions, urging believers to “mark them which cause divisions… and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Yet some KJV-only advocates initiate splits, excommunicating brothers over translation preferences. This violates Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:21) and substitutes doctrinal tribalism for gospel-centered love.
Many Mandarin-speaking pastors use the Chinese Union Version (CUV), translated from Greek/Hebrew texts. Yet some KJV-only hardliners, often unfamiliar with Chinese, demand they abandon the CUV for a direct KJV translation. They weaponize English-only rhetoric, dismissing non-Western believers as “compromised.” This cultural imperialism and bullying—through emails, sermons, or social media—is not zeal for truth; it is pride (Philippians 2:3).
Pride undergirds these sins. When we insist, “My translation alone is pure!” we echo the Pharisee who prayed, “God, I thank thee that I am not as other men” (Luke 18:11). Such self-righteousness blinds us to the Spirit’s work in diverse global churches. It also ignores the KJV translators’ own humility, who wrote: “We do not deny, nay we affirm and avow, that the very meanest [simplest] translation… containeth the word of God.”
To leaders entangled in these sins: Repentance is urgent. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good… that it may minister grace” (Ephesians 4:29).
Confess elitism. The gospel unites a global church (Revelation 7:9). Apologize to those harmed. Pursue peace (Romans 14:19). Honor Mandarin-speaking pastors. Learn their context. Use your tongue to “heal” rather than “tear down” (Proverbs 12:18).
Beloved, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar” (1 John 4:20). Let us cease weaponizing translations and instead “follow after charity” (1 Corinthians 14:1). May our words reflect Christ, who “when he was reviled, reviled not again” (1 Peter 2:23). The world will know we are His disciples not by our KJVs, but by our love (John 13:35).
In grace and hope,
A Servant of the Word