When Is One’s Speech The Wrong Kind? Lesson 3

Mt. 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Review from previous lesson

1. When it is not according to Eph. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

2. When it is not according to Col. 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

3. When it is false 4. When it is a lie 5. When it is incomplete 6. When one repeats the words but not the meaning

7. When it is true, but the telling of it would do no one any good, and possibly could do a lot of harm

. When Is One’s Speech The Wrong Kind?

8. When it is blasphemous Blasphemy = to speak against that which is sacred and divine

Js. 2:7 [7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

“To criticize and oppose God’s plan and God’s arrangements is blasphemy.”

Js. 4:11 [11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge

1 Tim. 5:19 [19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

9. When it is gossip Gossip is groundless rumor – it is hearsay, idle talk, talebearing “It is telling regardless of whether or not that told is true.”

2 Th. 3:11-12 [11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

1 Tim. 5:13 [13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

1 Pet. 4:15 [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

“Brethren, let us be determined that we will avoid gossip “Brethren, let us be determined that we will avoid gossip. We will not engage in it, and we will not listen to it.”

10. When it is unjust criticism Not all criticism is unjust “Constructive criticism” can be very helpful We are talking about the kind of criticism that is always out of place

11. When it is false accusation It is a serious matter to bring an accusation against another – especially against an elder (1 Tim. 5:19)

Korah, Dathan and Abiram accused Moses & Aaron of taking too much authority upon themselves --- The earth opened up and swallowed them and those who followed them

Jesus endured many false accusations: They said he was a glutton They said he was a winebibber He was accused of blasphemy They said he was a friend of demons and a Samaritan

“Often the person sinned against by false accusation doesn't even know about it, and has absolutely no way to defend himself.”

12. When it brings up matters which have been repented of and have been forgiven A child of God can go astray – then return to God by humility, confession of sins, repentance and prayers for forgiveness

“When repentance is evident, and correction has been made, and when forgiveness has taken place – NO ONE has any right to bring these matters again!” Roy Deaver (Emphasis his)

Mt. 6:12 [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Mt. 6:14-15 [14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Conclusion The tongue is a wonderful instrument from God With it we can do good – or we can go evil

Knowing of the ever-present dangers with regard to the tongue – we must be careful and not be guilty of the wrong kind of speech

May God help us always to guard our hearts and our tongues 1 Pet. 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God….”