Why Negative Talk Is Ungodly According To Scripture
Negative talk is a common habit that many people engage in without realizing the impact it has on themselves and those around them. According to Scripture, negative talk is considered ungodly and goes against the teachings of love, kindness, and encouragement. Here are some reasons why negative talk is ungodly according to Scripture:
1. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." Our words have the ability to either bring life and healing or destruction and harm. Negative talk tears others down and damages their self-esteem and confidence. As followers of God, we are called to use our words to build up and encourage others.
2. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Negative talk falls under the category of unwholesome talk, which is anything that tears others down or goes against God's principles of love and kindness. Instead, we should use our words to edify and uplift.
3. Matthew 12:36-37 warns, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned." Our words matter to God. Negative talk can be harmful not just to others but also to ourselves. We will be held accountable for every word we speak, so it is important to choose our words wisely.
4. Colossians 3:8 advises us, "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." Negative talk falls into the category of slander, which is defined as making false and damaging statements about someone. Slander goes against God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and to speak truthfully.
5. Proverbs 21:23 says, "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." Negative talk has the potential to bring about calamity in our lives. It creates a negative atmosphere and can lead to strained relationships, broken trust, and unnecessary conflict. By guarding our mouths and speaking words of kindness and encouragement, we can cultivate healthy and positive relationships.
6. James 3:9-10 reminds us of the inconsistency of using our words to both bless and curse: "With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." Negative talk goes against the essence of loving our neighbors as ourselves. We cannot both praise God and tear down His creation with our words.
7. Proverbs 15:4 says, "The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." Negative talk crushes the spirit of those who hear it. It creates an atmosphere of negativity and discouragement. As believers, we should strive to be agents of encouragement and healing through our words.
In conclusion, according to Scripture, negative talk is considered ungodly because it goes against the principles of love, kindness, and encouragement that God teaches us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be mindful of the words we speak and to use them to build up and edify others. By avoiding negative talk and embracing positive and uplifting speech, we can reflect God's love and bring life and healing to those around us.
