Never Speak Evil

“Never speak evil,” wrote Florida College professor Doy Moyer in a January facebook post.

While we have touched on this topic in previous posts, it appears that the reminder and exhortation is continually needed. Consider carefully Doy’s warning and the subsequent comments.

“We are not to speak evil of anyone, including those in positions of power.” Moyer reminds us. “Not even Michael the archangel would bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9) The powers that be are in God’s hands and judged according to His will and in His time; He will deal with them as He wills. When they fail to honor God, then He will judge them.”

“This is not to say that we endorse or appreciate everything about people in power. I have severe differences with many who make laws, and I try to leave no doubt as to where I stand on moral issues (like abortion or homosexual activity). However, as a Christian, I try to be careful about what I would say about those in authoritative positions, especially when I disagree with them. We can deal appropriately with the various issues without bringing railing accusations against those in power or dishonoring their position.”

“Remember the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-25): “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously….”

“If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then we will seek to follow this example. This ought to impact how we interact in person, on social media, or any other form of communication. Christians do not get to hide behind a wall so they can insult and revile. Even when being put to death in the most shameful and degrading way as a criminal by the ruling authorities, Jesus did not revile or insult, but rather offered forgiveness and died so that they can choose to enter into His grace.”

Commenting on Doy’s post, Jesse N. Richardson offered this additional thought.

“Keeping in mind of course, that it is not speaking evil of someone to speak up against the evil they are perpetrating against others. God’s people should also never be so desensitized to the injustices and cruelties that we have a participatory role in enabling, as to have a “business as usual,” attitude towards harm to our neighbors. Our role in contributing to the evils often perpetrated by elected “rulers” today (not that democratically elected officials should ever be viewed as “rulers” — a lot of folks seem to have missed that day in political science class) is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian participation in modern democratic governance.”

Endorsing evil speaking may include clicking “like” on facebook or reposting comments that are belittling and disparaging toward others.

Over the past number of years, it seems that the political rhetoric has been more heated, more vile, more vindictive, and more vulgar. Social media, of course, amplifies that feeling whether that’s accurate or not.

Speaking evil is not isolated to one side of the political spectrum. The evil speaking of someone with an opposing view does not justify you speaking evil in return. Furthermore, the insulting language of someone you agree with (even a powerful, elected politician) does not give you license to follow their example to spew out rude, crude, and demeaning insults to fellow Christians, or anyone else for that matter.

This command by Paul needs to be heard and heeded by those engaging in vitriolic, degrading rhetoric.

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus. 3:1).

For my part, it would be wonderful to have a moratorium on all political posting and posturing on social media for the next thirty days. Maybe you could fill that time and space, with something kind, encouraging, and spiritually edifying.

Just a thought.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman