Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureEvil-speakings refer to the act of speaking ill or maliciously about others. This includes slander, gossip, and any form of speech that seeks to harm another's reputation or character. The Bible consistently warns against such behavior, emphasizing the destructive power of the tongue and the moral responsibility of believers to use their words wisely.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible addresses the issue of evil-speakings in several passages, highlighting its sinful nature and the need for believers to refrain from such conduct. In
1 Peter 2:1 , the apostle Peter exhorts believers: "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This verse underscores the necessity of purging evil-speakings from one's life as part of the Christian call to holiness.
James 3:6 provides a vivid description of the tongue's potential for evil: "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage illustrates the profound impact that evil-speakings can have, not only on individuals but also on communities and relationships.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsEvil-speakings are not merely social faux pas but are considered serious sins with significant moral and spiritual implications. They are often rooted in deeper issues such as envy, pride, and malice.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a false witness who pours out lies" and "a person who stirs up conflict in the community" among the things the Lord detests, indicating the severity of such actions in the eyes of God.
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of controlling one's speech as a reflection of inner spiritual health. In
Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive highlights the positive use of speech as a means of edification rather than destruction.
Practical Guidance for BelieversBelievers are called to be vigilant in guarding their tongues and to cultivate speech that reflects their faith and love for others.
Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This counsel encourages Christians to speak with wisdom and kindness, ensuring that their words are constructive and reflective of Christ's love.
Furthermore, believers are encouraged to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when they have engaged in evil-speakings.
James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This verse underscores the importance of confession and prayer in overcoming the sin of evil-speakings and restoring relationships.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a specific conclusion on the topic of evil-speakings, it is clear that such behavior is incompatible with the Christian life. Believers are called to a higher standard of speech that reflects the character of Christ and promotes peace and unity within the body of Christ.
Library
Entire Sanctification as Taught by Peter.
... "Wherefore, laying aside all malice and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies,
and allevil speakings, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word...
"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory...
... Hence, says he, proceed all these feverish distempers among you, your hot and
passionate words, yourevil speakings and reproachings, your contentions and wars...
V. ...
... V.1-5. Wherefore lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and hatred,
and allevil speakings, and desire the sincere milk of the word, as new-born...
When a Revival is to be Expected.
... 2. When there are dissensions, and jealousies, andevil speakings among
professors of religion, then there is great need of a revival....
Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude.
... tells us to lay aside inbred sin, as it exists in the form of malice, and guile,
and hypocrisies, and envies, and shows itself inevil speakings, so James...
That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to...
... 4. But what if theevil-speakings which we unkindly utter every day one against
another, were brought forward against us; as well as the rash judgments with...
A Faithful Undershepherd
... Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and
allevilspeakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word...
Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... and words, then He sends them forth: and not to dangerous acts, for as yet there
was no danger in Palestine, but they had only to stand againstevil speakings....
"And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son...
... of gentleness and forbearance, who shall exercise most of that, but there are many
jealousies, heart burnings, grudgings, strifes,evil speakings, &c., to the...
We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which...
... ii.1. "Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and
allevil-speakings." Truly, evil speaking of our brethren, though it may be true...
Thesaurus
Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences)Evil-
speakings. Evil-speaking,
Evil-
speakings. Evil-spoken .
Multi-Version Concordance
Evil-
speakings (3 Occurrences).
...Speakings (3 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 for out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
whoredoms, thefts, false witnessings,evilspeakings: (YLT)....
Evil-speaking (5 Occurrences)
Evil-speaking. Evilspeaking, Evil-speaking.Evil-speakings . Easton's Bible
Dictionary... Evilspeaking, Evil-speaking.Evil-speakings . Reference Bible.
Guile (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies,
and envies, allevilspeakings, (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Word-striving (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and
word-striving, out of which doth come envy, strife,evil-speakings, evil-surmisings...
Whoredoms (34 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 for out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
whoredoms, thefts, false witnessings,evilspeakings: (YLT)....
False (303 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 for out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
whoredoms, thefts, false witnessings,evilspeakings: (Root in WEB KJV ASV...
Envyings (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Peter 2:1 Laying aside therefore all malice and all
guile and hypocrisies and envyings and allevilspeakings, (DBY YLT)....
Evil-spoken (1 Occurrence)
Evil-spoken.Evil-speakings, Evil-spoken. Evil-surmisings . Multi-Version
Concordance...Evil-speakings, Evil-spoken. Evil-surmisings . Reference Bible.
Evil-surmisings (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and
word-striving, out of which doth come envy, strife,evil-speakings, evil-surmisings...
Resources
What does the Bible say about good versus evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow evil? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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