DIATRIBE

I Was Just Thinking About – DIATRIBE.

In the world of politics, as well as in the world of so-called “Christian Religion,” there are more than ample examples of diatribe. Diatribe is: “a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism.” One place where this can be readily seen is on Facebook. One can find many opinions and condemnations posted by obvious secularists but also by those who couch their words under a cloak of their brand of Christianity or Biblical interpretation.

The true Biblical Christian has cautions about what is said and the manner in which a communication is offered. Proverbs 10:11-21 is very clear in terms of how God views the words one speaks: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence…Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense…the mouth of a fool invites ruin…Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues…The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.”

Jesus taught His followers that their words define who and what they are – Matthew 15:10-20 – Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “Listen and understand. A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it…Peter said to Him, Explain this parable to us. Do you still not understand? Jesus asked. Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

An old Hymn used the words: “What you are, Speaks so loud, The world  can’t hear what you say. They’re looking at your walk – not listening to your talk…” James 1:19-22 shares these important words: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger…get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.” This is a place where we should help one another to be what we claim to be – followers of Jesus Christ who diligently and faithfully obey Him.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.