The National Football League is cracking down on players who deliver excessively violent blows on the football field. Some players lower their heads as they plow into an opponent, disregarding even their own safety. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo on Wednesday to the teams in the league, emphasizing that more significant discipline will be imposed on players who deliver such hits in violation of the rules. Discipline will consist of huge fines and possible suspensions.

The Bible warns that there are those who perpetrate acts of violence with their mouths. Prov.10:6 says, “Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.” These people live for violent encounters. Prov.13:2 teaches, “From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence.” These offenders actually plan incidents where they can do damage to innocent people. Prov.24:1-2 warns, “Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”

I have seen these people lower their heads and throw themselves recklessly into Sunday school classes, small group gatherings and church board meetings. They have delivered crippling blows to reputations, ministries, and churches. Their attacks were well-planned and viciously delivered.

Fortunately, the Bible not only warns that this will happen; it also gives a remedy for the situation. Prov.21:7 says, “The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.” Quite simply, violent offenders should be held accountable for their evil deeds and punished because they chose to hurt people.

I hope that your church has some leaders in the mold of Roger Goodell, ready and willing to punish violent offenders in an attempt to protect innocent people from unnecessary harm.