Wrongful Speech
The bible instructs us to be careful with the words that we use and to be conscious of how our words can affect those around us. The bible speaks against gossip and cautions that gossip can be a highly destructive behavior. In James 3:4-12 it states:
“Unwholesome talk comes from an evil heart. Wisdom comes from above and is always full of peace and gentleness. Slander can never be justified. It comes from the devil, who is in the business of destroying families and reputations. If your tongue is good, your speech will bring healing and help, but when it is evil it brings destruction and pain.”
This provides direct insight into what the bible has to say about gossip, not only stressing the importance of our words but condemning those who use their words to hurt others. The bible encourages us to build relationships instead of tearing them apart. At times, it may be tempting to use our words to hurt or belittle others but this goes against the foundation of what the bible teaches.
Sinful Intentions
Gossip is an act of judgement and disregard for another person’s feelings or well-being. The bible speaks strongly against this form of speech and warns against it in Proverbs 11:13:
“Those who gossip can’t be trusted; the consequences are bad for the one who talks too much.”
This verse provides a warning against gossip, stressing that not only is it wrong to gossip but it will also lead to negative consequences. Gossiping is a form of judgement and by speaking ill of someone, we are in essence disregarding them and their feelings. This is not something that God promotes and something that shouldn’t be done in any circumstance.
The Impact of Slander
Gossip can have devastating effects on its victims. Not only can it destroy relationships but it can also lead to deep emotional damage. The bible speaks to this in Colossians 3:8:
“But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.”
This verse highlights the severity of gossip and its potential to destroy relationships and damage the reputation of its victims. The bible teaches that we should be mindful of our words and use them to love and protect each other, not hurt and manipulate.
Control of the Tongue
The bible speaks clearly of the power of words. We are given direct instruction to guard our words and be conscious of how they affect those around us in Proverbs 23:7:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”
This verse speaks to the power of our words and how they can easily be misused. Our words are a direct reflection of who we are and what we believe and we should use them with caution. We should always strive to use them to benefit those around us and not to tear them down.
Mindful Communication
The bible instructs us to be mindful of our words. We should use our words to build bridges and not to tear them down. We should use our words to heal and not to hurt. The bible speaks emphatically on this topic in Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
This verse highlights our responsibility to use our words for good and not for destruction. We should always be mindful of the power of our words and use them with care and consideration for the feelings of those around us.
Viewing Others with Respect
As Christians, we must strive to look at our neighbors through a lens of love and respect. We should not use our words to tear them down, but rather to celebrate their successes and build them up. The bible speaks of this in Matthew 5:9:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
This verse instructs us to seek peace in all of our interactions with our neighbors and to be mindful of how our words can affect those around us. We should celebrate the successes of those around us and use our words to show love and kindness.
Living Out Our Faith
The bible has a great deal to say on the topic of communication and our responsibility as Christians to use our words to benefit those around us. We must be mindful of our words and be conscious of the power that they have to bring harm or good. We must be diligent in avoiding gossip and strive to use our words to encourage and uplift those around us. The bible speaks about this in Matthew 7:12:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
This verse speaks to our duty to treat others as we wish to be treated and to use our words to demonstrate love and grace for those around us.
Impact on Our daily Lives
The bible speaks clearly on the importance of mindful communication and commands us to use our words to build up others, not tear them down. We must be careful with our words, avoiding gossip and instead striving to encourage and love those around us. This is difficult work, but it is an imperative part of living a life of faith. We must be sure to conduct ourselves in a way that honors our faith and showcases our belief in God.
Living in humility
The bible speaks to the importance of humility. We should strive to be humble in our interactions and be aware of the power of our words. Philippians 2:3-5 reads:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
These verses provide direct insight into the importance of humility and kindness in our interactions. We must look on our neighbors through a lens of humility and not boast or judge them. We must use our words to benefit those around us.
Our Duty
We have a duty as Christians to not only be mindful of our words but also to use them to benefit those around us. We should avoid gossip and instead strive to speak life into those around. We must be diligent in our interactions, avoiding judgement and instead speaking words of love and encouragement. As believers, we are commanded to live a life of love and kindness and to use our words to bring peace and joy.
