READ: Proverbs 10:18-19, 11:12-13, 20:19
There are many ways
to destroy others with our words. Maybe all of us have felt the sting of what
others have said to us, whether serious or “in jest”. As we consider our own
words, let’s not forget the pain of what we’ve received. Such pain can cause us
to more seriously consider our ways.
According to
Proverbs, it’s foolish to slander. It’s sinful. It’s taking our words, and
destroying that which God has created in His image. What is slander? Slander
includes intentional efforts to degrade another person, or even careless words
that serve to lower them in the eyes of others. Slander often happens when our
words are too many, and because of this silence can be VERY good. As Proverbs declares, “when words are many,
transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent”
(10:19).
Another way is to
destroy others is to belittle them. This is making a person smaller than they
are. How dare we do this, as God made them! Proverbs reminds us that, “whoever
belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent”
(11:12). Again, silence is valued! Slander and belittling are so vile that we
need to walk away from such things, even being willing to not associate with those who engage it this behaviour. It’s that
important to God!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Obviously
it’s important that we seek to note where we slander or belittle others. Ask
God to help you be honest on where you fail in this way. It also may be
important to seek to apologize to anyone who has been hurt by your words or to
others who have heard such words.
2.
Ask
God to show you any pain you’re still carrying from the words of others. Are
there things that your parents, in-laws, teachers, spouse, friends or “enemies”
have said that have caused pain? Ask God to speak to this pain. Also forgive these
people in prayer.
