gnashing of teeth

In several places in the Bible, we hear of the "gnashing of teeth", a strange turn of phrase.

In the Hebrew Scriptures it refers to the wicked who "plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them” (Psalm 37:12) and who "open their mouths against (the righteous) as they scoff and gnash their teeth" (Lamentations 2:16).  In the New Testament we also hear of the members of the Jewish Council who "were furious and gnashed their teeth at (Stephen)” (Acts 7:54).  "Gnashing of teeth" is a sign of great disrespect and anger; not righteous anger, but that anger "which does not produce the righteousness that God desires'' (James 1:20).

We live in an angry and disrespectful culture, which stokes such gnashing of teeth.  The Scriptures advise us not to practice this behavior as a way of life, for it has its consequences.  Jesus speaks of the guest who comes to the Wedding Feast of The Lamb without the proper clothing, and is cast into the outer darkness "where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 22:11-13).  This gnashing of teeth is anger that gets turned on the self in condemnation.  So as not to be clothed with either kind of gnashing, we are to "clothe [our]selves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Galatians 5:12), the foundation of a life of joy and freedom in Christ.

So, let's guard ourselves from any angry "gnashing of teeth" that becomes the regretful "gnashing of teeth", and instead allow Jesus to calm our contorted jaws so that we can have mouths that speak and receive His Blessing, particularly as we pray.