Evil Speaking

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

The Power and Danger of Speech James offers crucial guidance on how to live as faithful Christians, and in James 4:11–12, he addresses a topic that affects us all: our speech. In this passage, Christians are warned not to speak evil of one another. This sin is incompatible with the humility expected of a true disciple. Speaking evil of others and passing unrighteous judgment damages not only others but also our own relationship with God. James says plainly: "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"

What It Means to Speak Evil The term "speak evil" here refers to slander, to defaming someone’s character. Ephesians 4:31 instructs believers to put away slander entirely. Psalm 50:19 warns against giving one’s mouth free reign for evil. Slander is real and destructive, and sadly, even Christians sometimes fall into this sin. When someone lies or defames another, especially a brother or sister in Christ, they violate God’s law. Romans 1:30 includes slanderers among those worthy of death because their actions are so harmful.

The Misunderstanding of Judgment James also warns against improper judging. Unfortunately, this is often misunderstood. There are two types of judgment in Scripture: righteous and unrighteous. Righteous judgment is not only allowed but commanded. In Matthew 7:1, Jesus says, "Judge not that you be not judged," but later in verse 5, He calls someone a hypocrite and advises not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine. That requires discernment. We must judge actions by God's Word, not appearances.

Paul commands in Romans 16:17–18 to mark and avoid false teachers. This requires judging doctrine. Jesus in Matthew 7:15 also warned of false prophets who look like sheep. We must test what is taught and name names when necessary, just as Paul did, to protect others. Galatians 6:1 tells us to restore a brother overtaken in a fault. That means confronting sin lovingly, not ignoring it.

Unrighteous Judgment: The Wrong Standard and Motive Unrighteous judgment comes from wrong motives—jealousy, bitterness, selfishness. It also arises when we use a standard other than God's Word, such as human traditions. This was the sin of the Pharisees in Mark 7:7–9, who substituted man-made rules for divine commandments. Jesus says such worship is in vain.

Furthermore, judging is sinful when we condemn others for sins we ourselves commit. Matthew 7 says we must first remove the beam from our own eye before helping our brother with his speck. Romans 2:3 condemns those who judge others while doing the same things. Ignoring our own faults while condemning others is hypocritical and sinful.

Submit to God's Word, Not Our Own Standards Ultimately, the lesson is about submission. When we slander or judge improperly, we set ourselves up as judges and lawgivers, roles that belong only to God. Revelation 22:18–19 warns against adding to or taking away from God’s Word. We must accept all of it and not pick and choose what to obey.

Acts 17:30–31 tells us that God has appointed a day to judge the world by Jesus Christ. Revelation 20 describes how all will stand before Him and be judged by what is written in the books. Jesus is the one who can save or destroy (Matthew 10:28). We must fear God, not men. He alone has authority over our souls.

Conclusion We are not the judge. We are not the lawgiver. We must be careful with our speech and our judgment. Let us put away all evil speaking, judge righteously according to the Word, and submit wholly to God. If you are not right with God today, now is the time to make it right. Don’t speak evil or ignore sin—do what God commands while there is still time.

Sermon Outline

1. The Power and Danger of Speech
   • James 4:11–12
   • Slander contradicts Christian humility
2. What It Means to Speak Evil
   • Definition: Slander, defamation
   • Ephesians 4:31; Psalm 50:19; Romans 1:30
3. The Misunderstanding of Judgment
   • Matthew 7:1–5; Matthew 7:15
   • Romans 16:17–18; Galatians 6:1
4. Unrighteous Judgment
   • Wrong motives: jealousy, bitterness
   • Wrong standards: Mark 7:7–9
   • Hypocrisy: Romans 2:3; Matthew 7:1–5
5. Submit to God's Word
   • Revelation 22:18–19
   • Acts 17:30–31; Revelation 20; Matthew 10:28

Call to Action Guard your speech. Test what you hear by the Word of God. Restore the wandering with gentleness. Reject slander and self-righteousness. Submit to the one true Lawgiver and Judge. Today is the day to obey His Word.

Scripture References: James 4:11–12; Ephesians 4:31; Psalm 50:19; Romans 1:30; Matthew 7:1–5, 7:15; Romans 16:17–18; Galatians 6:1; Mark 7:7–9; Romans 2:3; Revelation 22:18–19; Acts 17:30–31; Revelation 20; Matthew 10:28