Speak No Evil
James 4:11-12
11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
What is evil speech?
What does it mean to speak evil of someone? I’m sure we think of heinous gossip slamming someone’s character and telling all the awful things they have done and maybe even making it up as we go along. That was the first thing that came to my mind.
As I began to read the study notes under the verse they brought the true meaning to light in a more profound way. Speaking evil isn’t just the things I said above. It said that even speaking the truth harshly was considered evil speech. I never looked at it that way. To be totally honest I was convicted immediately.
Who Does It?
I don’t know about you but I have a tendency to speak harshly because I feel it gets my point across better and it will cause people to listen and take me seriously.
Do you want to know something? I’m wrong. Absolutely wrong. I can’t speak for the reasons others do it, but no matter the reason, it’s wrong.
The Bible says to know to do good and not , is sin. I wasn’t aware that speaking harshly is considered evil speech, but now I am. Which means I will be held accountable by God for my actions, and so will you.
It Doesn’t come Naturally
Being soft spoken and kind isn’t a usual, natural, human response. More often than not we are harsh, defensive and ready to prove our point. It may be easier for some, but if you’re like me you have to work much harder when it comes to human interaction. There may be many reasons why it’s so hard, but all we need to know is that kindness and meekness are a necessary fruit of the spirit.
If , like me, you struggle because it does not come naturally, the best way to attain that fruit is to draw yourself closer to the one who can show you how.
James ch 4, Matthew 6:33, Galatians 5:22-23
****Lord, I thank you for loving me and correcting me. Thank you for showing me things I didn’t know so that I may be closer to you and more like you, so that I can help others and show them kindness the way you would have me to. God I ask that you continue to help me daily in this area so kindness does come naturally to me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.***
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