“Speak not evil one of another”(James 4:11)
That’s not so easy is it? Sometimes it’s really difficult to not express our true feelings. The following article from “Bits & Pieces” (4/2/92) makes a good point:
Have you ever been in a position where someone asks you for a reference to get a job and you find yourself in an awkward position? You don’t want to lie, but you really can’t tell the truth because it will hurt. Robert Thornton, professor of economics at Lehigh University, once composed the ideal letter to fit the situation: I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former colleague of mine. In my opinion you will be fortunate to get this person to work for you. I recommend him with no qualifications whatsoever. No person would be better for the job. I urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment. All in all, and without reservation, I cannot say enough good things about him, nor can I recommend him too highly.
Well, that’s one way to deal with it. I’m not going to suggest that you use that approach, but I do want to remind you that we ought to guard our tongue. When we speak evil of another God takes it as a personal offence, because He tells us not to do so. That old adage–“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” can be helpful advice at times. Don’t make the mistake of saying, “I’m thinking it. I might as well say it.”Remember, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”(Proverbs 29:11)
