How can believers guard against the sin mentioned in Psalm 50:20? Setting the Scene: The Sin Addressed “You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.” – Psalm 50:20 God labels the repeated, comfortable practice of tearing down a brother or sister as sin. Slander is not merely careless chatter—it is rebellion against the God who commands love for neighbor. Why God Takes Slander Seriously • Slander distorts His image in people. “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.” (James 3:9–10) • It ranks among the acts He “hates” (Proverbs 6:16-19). • It fractures the unity Christ purchased (John 17:20-23). • It invites God’s discipline: “You thought I was just like you; but I will rebuke you…” (Psalm 50:21). Practical Steps to Guard Our Speech 1. Fill the heart with truth – “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) – Daily Scripture intake replaces rumor with revelation. 2. Slow the pace of words – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) – Pause before posting, texting, or venting. 3. Run every statement through a three-fold filter • Is it true? (Exodus 20:16) • Is it necessary? (Proverbs 17:27-28) • Is it gracious? (Ephesians 4:29) 4. Cultivate affectionate regard for fellow believers – “Whoever conceals an offense promotes love.” (Proverbs 17:9) – Pray regularly for the very people you are tempted to criticize. 5. Remember God’s constant audience – “No creature is hidden from His sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) – Speaking against a sibling is speaking before the Father who loves that sibling. 6. Emulate Christ’s example under provocation – “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate.” (1 Peter 2:23) – Commit injustices to God instead of to gossip. 7. Seek accountability – Invite a mature believer to challenge unwholesome speech. – Confess promptly when words cross the line (1 John 1:9). Daily Heart Checks • Ask: “Would I say this if the person were present?” • Meditate on Psalm 19:14 each morning. • Keep a gratitude list for brothers and sisters to crowd out criticism. Building Habits of Blessing Words • Memorize passages like Colossians 4:6 and Proverbs 10:18. • Speak edifying words intentionally—compliments, Scripture, encouragement. • Replace rumors with intercession: when you hear a negative report, pray rather than repeat. When We Fail • Acknowledge the sin specifically to God and, if needed, to the one maligned. • Make restitution by speaking truthful, honoring words where the reputation was damaged. • Trust the Spirit to produce new speech patterns (Galatians 5:22-23). Summary Takeaway Guarding against the sin of Psalm 50:20 requires a heart saturated with God’s Word, a mouth restrained by love, and habits shaped around edification. As we depend on the Spirit, our speech becomes an instrument of blessing rather than a weapon of harm. |
    |