[Originally from TFT, April 2002] Do most people you know have a tendency to cuss? Does it bother you when they do it often around you? Well, it should, because it’s the wrong thing to do. According to James 3:10, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” That means you should not cuss out one of God’s children then turn around and tell another their hair looks good.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” This passage includes more than just cussing. It includes every time you decide to spread a rumor or don’t choose to stop it. Rumors have been known to ruin a person’s life and any chance that they might have to expand their horizons. Rumors are not an exception to 1 Timothy 5:13, “. . . tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”
Colossians 3:9 states “Lie not one to another…” The so-called little white lies you say count. Everything counts. When boys tell their girlfriends that the outfit she is wearing doesn’t make her look fat, but it really does, counts. When you don’t tell your parents EVERYTHING you did on Friday night and they ASKED, you are lying to them.
If you read Revelations 21:8, you’ll find that “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.”
A sin is a sin. There is no measurement of sin. A murderer sins just as much as a liar, or one with a foul mouth.
Your friend has a friend,
And your friend’s friend has a friend;
be discreet.
