Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Hateful words are expressions that convey malice, contempt, or hostility towards others. In the biblical context, such words are often associated with sin and are seen as contrary to the teachings of love, kindness, and edification that are central to Christian doctrine. Biblical References and Teachings: 1. Proverbs on Speech: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the power of words, highlighting the destructive nature of hateful speech. Proverbs 12:18 states, "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." This contrast underscores the harm that can be inflicted by reckless or malicious words, as opposed to the healing that wise and kind words can bring. 2. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus emphasized the importance of words as a reflection of the heart. In Matthew 12:34-37 , He says, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." This passage highlights the accountability individuals have for their words and the spiritual significance of speech. 3. Apostolic Writings: The apostles also addressed the issue of hateful words. In Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive encourages believers to use their words for edification rather than harm. 4. James on the Tongue: The Epistle of James provides a vivid description of the tongue's potential for evil. James 3:6-10 states, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" This passage underscores the inconsistency and danger of using the tongue for both blessing and cursing. 5. The Call to Love and Edification: The overarching biblical principle is the call to love one another, which inherently opposes the use of hateful words. In 1 John 4:20 , it is written, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." This verse connects the love of God with the love of others, implying that hateful words are incompatible with genuine Christian love. Practical Implications for Believers: Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their speech, recognizing the power of words to either build up or tear down. The biblical exhortation is to speak with grace, truth, and love, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions. Topical Bible Verses Colossians 4:6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 4:29 2 Peter 3:9 Library (On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. ) What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart. What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart. I Will Follow the Order of Your Letter, and Subjoin Your Very ... The Backslider in Heart. St. Ambrose Shows by Instances that the Places in which those ... On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ... The Life of the Spirit Whether Unbelievers Ought to be Compelled to the Faith? The Call and Feast of Levi Resources Are Christians guilty of hate speech? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Westboro Baptist Church? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being mean-spirited? | GotQuestions.org Hateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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