INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS 8: HONESTY, GOSSIP, SLANDER, LIES, DECEPTION
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Introduction
a) "Interpersonal relations" is not usually thought of as a Bible topic, but advice about dealing with other people makes up a large part of the teachings of Jesus and His apostles as well as the wisdom books of the Old Testament. Whether dealing with parents, children, spouses, family, friends, co-workers, strangers or even enemies, the Bible's advice is spiritually sound and effective for promoting peace and harmony.
2. Honesty, Gossip, Slander, Lies, Deception
Matthew 12:35-37
A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.
a) The words we say or write have tremendous power for good or evil. Words can promote love and understanding or inflame prejudice and hatred. It is words that make or break marriages and other relationships. Words can make peace or make war. Our words should always show a spirit of Christian love.
b) A lie is any false statement made with the intent to deceive someone. We must always be honest in our dealings with other people. The Bible strongly condemns any attempt to deceive with the intent to hurt someone or gain unfair advantage:
i) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
ii) Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit. (1 Peter 3:10)
c) Gossip or slander is an act of hostility intended to harm someone's reputation. We must avoid the temptation to misrepresent someone's character or actions:
i) An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
d) Related verses: Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:11-12, 19:35-36, Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:12, 12:22, 15:1-2, 15:4, 15:28, 20:19, Isaiah 33:15-16, Luke 16:10-12, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8-10, Revelation 21:22-28.
The End ...
1. Introductiona) "Interpersonal relations" is not usually thought of as a Bible topic, but advice about dealing with other people makes up a large part of the teachings of Jesus and His apostles as well as the wisdom books of the Old Testament. Whether dealing with parents, children, spouses, family, friends, co-workers, strangers or even enemies, the Bible's advice is spiritually sound and effective for promoting peace and harmony.
2. Honesty, Gossip, Slander, Lies, Deception
Matthew 12:35-37
A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.
a) The words we say or write have tremendous power for good or evil. Words can promote love and understanding or inflame prejudice and hatred. It is words that make or break marriages and other relationships. Words can make peace or make war. Our words should always show a spirit of Christian love.
b) A lie is any false statement made with the intent to deceive someone. We must always be honest in our dealings with other people. The Bible strongly condemns any attempt to deceive with the intent to hurt someone or gain unfair advantage:
i) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
ii) Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit. (1 Peter 3:10)
c) Gossip or slander is an act of hostility intended to harm someone's reputation. We must avoid the temptation to misrepresent someone's character or actions:
i) An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
d) Related verses: Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:11-12, 19:35-36, Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:12, 12:22, 15:1-2, 15:4, 15:28, 20:19, Isaiah 33:15-16, Luke 16:10-12, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8-10, Revelation 21:22-28.
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