Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. —James 4:11 ESV
Cursing is something I just don’t do. Or so I thought until God used verses like James 4:11 to show me that four-letter words are hardly the full scope of the curser’s vocabulary.
The Greek word that’s translated “cursing” in James 3:10, as well as the similar word in 4:11, mean to “speak evil against,” to say thoughtless words to or about someone. It’s much more than profanity; it’s wounding others with our tongues.
And the Bible says, “Don’t do it.”
This kind of talk can cause irreparable harm to people’s hearts and spirits. Such cursing is also one of the key descriptors of an unbelieving lifestyle. For a believer to “curse” others by speaking evil of them is to behave like a practical atheist.
So, let’s purpose to stop acting in ways indicative of non-Christian beliefs and conduct—starting with the way we speak to and about others. Not even in jest will we say hurtful things that belittle one’s value as a bearer of His image. Cursing in any form is a lie about whose we are.
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The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings © 2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Scripture taken from The ESV
Make it Personal
Ask God to speak blessing through you as you talk to and about others today.