“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.”- James 4:11
How is it that we so glibly ignore this command? Why do we treat it as nothing more than a suggestion or an antiquated law? It’s obvious that God is very concerned about the way we treat others, especially by way of the words we speak. Why aren’t we concerned about it? We expect to be despised, neglected, and criticized by the world, but we should find a refuge from that in the church family. The saints are to support, not slander one another. Instead of using words like weapons to hurt others we should use the tongue as a tool to help others.
God warns us repeatedly to not judge presumptuously, gossip, slander, or criticize others. Yet some seem to take delight in ignoring Him. Those who ignore His commands and warnings are speaking evil and judging the law. Imagine that! And you have the audacity to criticize others? Who are we to judge and criticize God’s law that says, “ Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” ( Lev. 19:18) ? And that is exactly what we do when we mistreat others. We thumb our nose at the just laws of God who is holy.
Others may have indeed sinned against us or failed miserably in some way, but the Bible is very clear about how we are to handle those situations. We are to seek reconciliation and restore the weak, not resort to slander and criticism. The other person’s wrong doesn’t give us a license to sin. Regardless of the other person’s attitude or actions we are to exhort, encourage, and edify one another. May God help us to be a doer of the law by showing love one to another. Remember, “… to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” ( Jam. 4:17).– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
