What does "speaks against a brother" reveal about our judgmental attitudes? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it.” – James 4:11 Defining “Speaks Against” • The Greek term involves verbal criticism, backbiting, or slander—any talk that diminishes another believer’s reputation. • It includes subtle digs, gossip, and harsh judgments voiced as “concerns.” • James addresses family language (“brothers”), underscoring that the target is a fellow believer, not an outsider. What This Reveals About Our Judgmental Attitudes 1. We Are Placing Ourselves Above God’s Law • By criticizing a brother, “you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it.” • God’s law commands love (Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34). Speaking against ignores that command and treats our opinions as superior. • Romans 14:4: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.” 2. We Are Usurping God’s Role as Judge • James 4:12 continues, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.” • Matthew 7:1-3 warns that the measure we use will return to us, exposing our presumption. • Our words often claim omniscience—assuming motives, reading hearts—something only God can do (1 Samuel 16:7). 3. We Expose Pride and Self-Righteousness • Speaking against a brother implies, “I see clearly; you don’t.” • Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “haughty eyes” and “one who sows discord among brothers” among what the Lord hates. • Luke 18:11 pictures the Pharisee exalting himself while despising the tax collector—an object lesson in self-righteous judgment. 4. We Undermine the Unity of Christ’s Body • Slander fractures fellowship, violating Jesus’ prayer “that they may be one” (John 17:21). • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” • Discord within the church dishonors Christ before a watching world (John 13:35). 5. We Reveal Hypocrisy in Ourselves • James 3:10 highlights the inconsistency: “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” • When we condemn others while excusing our sin, we mimic the “whitewashed tombs” Jesus rebuked (Matthew 23:27). • Galatians 6:1 calls us to restore gently, first recognizing our own vulnerability. Practical Diagnostics for the Heart • What motive sits behind my words—love or superiority? • Am I addressing sin biblically (Matthew 18:15) or simply venting? • Have I prayed for the brother before I spoke about him? • Would I speak the same words if Jesus were physically in the room? Positive Speech That Honors the Lawgiver • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Cover offenses with gracious silence when appropriate (Proverbs 17:9). • Encourage and build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • If confrontation is needed, do it privately, gently, and with restoration as the goal (Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1-2). Conclusion: What the Tongue Tells Us When we “speak against a brother,” our words expose pride, self-exaltation, and a disregard for God’s law of love. Instead of positioning ourselves as judges, we are called to submit to the one true Judge, let His Word govern our speech, and use our tongues as instruments of grace inside the family of faith. |
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