ESOCS Devotional 8 April 2021
TEXT: JAMES 4:2-12
MEMORY VERSE: “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 KJV
Evil speaking helps no one: Some seem to think that by speaking evil of others they raise themselves in the opinion of those who will listen. But this is never so. No one likes a super-critical, fault-finding person. In time, evil speaking is sure to come back on one’s own head. To speak evil helps no one, but definitely injures three people: the speaker, the one spoken to, and the one spoken of.
They spoke evil of the best: They spoke evil of Paul. John complains bitterly of Diotrophes, who prated against him with malicious words (3 John 10). The devil spoke evil of God in Genesis 3. They spoke evil of Christ, too. They said, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The Pharisees called Him a sinner (John 9:24). Brethren, do not be surprised if some speak evil of you. It is not pleasant to experience; but there is some consolation in knowing that many far better than us have experienced it, too.
We have faults: We all have faults of our own. You know the old adage, “A man living in a glass house should never throw stones.” If we have not been severe on ourselves, we have no right to be severe on others. Same speak evil of others in order to ease the conscience concerning personal guilt.
James uses the term “brethren,” and its singular form “brother,” many times. In this verse, we have these terms a total of three times, the only verse in James that uses it more than once. He emphasizes this as a reason to refrain from evil speaking. It violates the law of brotherhood. The Christian tie should be stronger than any other earthly tie. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). To revile, defame, or speak evil of other Christians is certainly the opposite of doing good toward them. To speak evil of a brother or sister is to put oneself above God, to put oneself on the judgment seat. Such a person thinks himself superior. Thus, by exalting self, a person reveals a lack of humility. Remember the old saying: “All that goes up must come down.” Good advice to those who consider themselves above the law, yea, above God Himself. Such a person should come down off that high perch before the Almighty God takes time out to put him down.
Evil speaking is the fruit of pride. The humble will not speak evil of others. It is lofty opinions of self that cause one to embark on the path of speaking evil of a brother or sister. If we can refrain from this evil, we have gained a great victory.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
What will make you want to speak evil of people around you? Take note of them and avoid them.
PRAYER POINT
Pray to God to help you not to speak evil of your brother or sister.
FURTHER READING: Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Peter 2:1-2
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ESOCS Devotional 8 April 2021
