Speaking Evil

Posted by Chuck Coates on Nov 2, 2011 in Daily Bread | 1 comment

Talking evil of someone is looked on as normal conversation by Christians and non-Christians alike. We do it every day and don’t realize it is a sin or just consider it part of a normal conversation and don’t catch ourselves in midstride and think about what we are saying. Little do we realize it is a sin as James explains. Speaking harshly about people in their absence, criticizing them and insulting is a sin. James goes on to say do not speak against (Katalaleited) literal translation to speak evil of to criticize, to slander. The assumption is that the person being slandered is not present.

To be honest I did not know this and I’ve done this so many times in my comings and goings daily. This might seem like a little thing, having a quiet gossip with your friend, but you have to be careful in what you are saying because God is interested in our words when we start defaming someone, denigrating them, tarnishing someone’s reputation we have just alienated ourselves from that relationship God wants to have with us. You have to be careful that you don’t become a talebearer that sets up walls between people, causes contention, and separates close friends. This is what Satan likes and by you falling into trap you have just made him happy. Bottom line is to love thy neighbor as thyself.

Where do you fit in? Are you going to speak evil of your neighbor and let Satan get the last laugh or will you choose not to let your conversations go in that direction and obey God’s word of not speaking evil of a brother or sister?