1 John 3:18

Observe the transition from instrumental dative to preposition ἐν : “not with word and the tongue but in the midst of deed and truth” not in empty air but amid tangible realities. Cf. Bunyan, Good News : “Practical love is best. Many love Christ with nothing but the lick of the tongue.” Sheridan, Sch. for Scand. v. i.: “He appears to have as much speculative benevolence as any private gentleman in the kingdom, though he is seldom so sensual as to indulge himself in the exercise of it”.