KEY SCRIPTURE: Matt 11:7 KJV. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”

What do we normally talk about those who are far away from us? Do we defame them, praise or say the truth about them? In our above story, the disciples, of John the Baptist had just left the presence of Jesus so whatever was to be said about them would be clearly be outside their knowledge. The Lord Jesus never said anything negative about John. He could have commented about John’s lack of faith in him, yet He chose to shower praises on him. Please note this, never say bad things about others in their absence, because they cannot know of it, enough to defend themselves. What about comments about   individuals who are dead? If the individual is dead, then make sure whatever you say is the truth. This may be to teach a lesson, or to clarify an issue, just say the truth. God is always at the defense of the defenseless. You may attract God’s anger, if you tell falsehood about those who have passed on.

When King Saul killed the Gibeonites after Joshua had gone into a covenant of peace with their fathers who were dead and gone many years, God still came to their defense (2 Sam. 21:1, Joshua 10:1) It was quite fatal for the people of Israel.

In the story of the Lord and John let’s consider some of the statements the Lord made about John in his absence. Mat 11:9 KJV “But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet”. The Lord went further to state that John was greater than all men born of women except those born in the kingdom of God. (This refers to those who have received new life in Jesus Christ.) The Lord made all these comments about John the Baptist after John had expressed doubts about Him. Many people are very quick to comment about certain individuals, that they have very little information about (don’t comment about individuals you don’t know). Some condemn and utter all kinds of wrong and false comments about individuals that they have very scanty knowledge about. Eph 4:15 KJV “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Please, you must understand the power of words, and use them rightly to advance your course in this life. The scripture says as you always speak the truth you grow to become like Jesus in all things. This also means, as you spill out falsehood about people and Lies in general, you would grow to become like the father of liars (John 8:44.) Proverbs 10:18 KJV “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Be very careful about remarks you make about others. To speak out of hatred in slanderous ways makes you a fool

CONFESSION

WORDS are the most powerful tools in this life. I use words to my advantage all the time. I utter words of truth motivated by love for all persons. I refuse to speak falsehood about people or situations. I give no place to hatred about anyone that could breed slander and evil speaking.

FURTHER STUDIES

Psalms 34:13 KJV” Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile”

Ephesians 4:31 KJV” Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”

Psalms 101:5 KJV” Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.”