Speaking evil of no one means avoiding slander, gossip, insults, and other harmful speech directed at others. This phrase comes from Titus 3:2 in the Bible, which reads: “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this verse more fully.
The Broader Context
Titus 3:2 falls within a broader passage providing instructions for Christian conduct. The previous chapter encourages believers to live upright, self-controlled, and godly lives while anticipating Christ’s return. Chapter 3 then shifts the focus to relationships within the church community. Paul urges Titus to remind Christians under his oversight to be subject to rulers, avoid quarreling, and display humility, courtesy, and gentleness.
This wise counsel promotes unity and peace within the church. As one body in Christ, believers are to treat one another with love and respect. The prohibition against “speaking evil” of others supports this goal. As we’ll see, there are good reasons to avoid harmful speech.
Defining “Evil Speech”
What exactly constitutes “evil speech” or speaking evil of others? In the original Greek, the phrase contains only one word – “blasphemeo” – which means to slander, defame, revile, or show contempt or disrespect. Common synonyms in English include backbiting, maligning, bad-mouthing, smearing, and mudslinging. Such speech intends to harm reputations and relationships.
Examples of evil speaking include:
- Insulting or derogatory remarks
- Malicious gossip and rumors
- Divulging private information without permission
- False accusations meant to discredit
- Cynical or hostile comments that belittle others
- Slanderous statements that misrepresent facts
- Sarcastic, derisive, or abusive language
In short, evil speech encompasses any hurtful or destructive words directed against others, whether vulgar or subtle, public or private, spoken or written. The focus is on both the intent and impact of such speech.
The Need to Avoid Evil Speech
Given the prevalence of gossip, insults, shaming, and character assassination in society, the admonition to avoid evil speaking may sound unrealistic or even undesirable. Why should Christians refrain from such speech? Consider several good reasons.
It Harms Others
First and foremost, evil speech inevitably causes harm on some level. Scripture teaches that the power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Our words carry tremendous potential to build others up or tear them down. Insults and slander inflict psychological wounds, destroy reputations, and stir up malice. Even if the allegations are untrue, they corrode trust and goodwill once spoken. This conflicts with Christ’s command to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
It Does Not Reflect Christ
Furthermore, speaking evil contradicts the new life we have in Christ. When we trusted in Christ, our sins were forgiven and we were made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our conduct should now reflect our transformed hearts and minds. Treating others with contempt does not display the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It drags us back into the world’s patterns.
It Harms Our Witness
Additionally, evil speech dims our Christian witness. Jesus said unbelievers would recognize His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35). When Christians engage in backbiting, ridicule, slurs, or malice, we fail to demonstrate God’s love. Our hypocrisy then repels nonbelievers instead of attracting them to the faith. If we want to effectively spread the gospel, we must be known for building others up rather than tearing them down.
It Can Destroy Relationships
Evil speaking also sabotages relationships within the church. Strong, supportive relationships are key to a healthy church body. But divisive speech erodes trust, instills fear, and creates fractures. Scripture warns that “a perverse person stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28). Poisonous words destroy fellowship and lead to strife. As members of one body, Christians cannot function properly with broken relationships.
It Does Not Please God
Most importantly, speaking evil does not please or glorify God. When describing true religion, James writes that a believer’s speech should be devoid of moral filth and evil (James 1:26-27). Malice, slander, and abuse have no place in the vocabulary of one who belongs to Christ. Conversely, our words should give grace to others (Ephesians 4:29). Pleasing speech that builds up is beautiful in God’s sight. Why would we choose harmful words and thus grieve His Spirit?
How to Apply This Teaching
Avoiding harmful speech requires intentional, continual effort. Our tongues are difficult to tame (James 3:8). When striving to speak no evil, consider these practical steps:
Guard Your Heart
Bitterness, resentment, pride, and anger often motivate evil speaking. We must deal with these heart issues and their root causes through prayer, confession, forgiveness, and renewal of our minds (Ephesians 4:31-32). As our hearts grow more humble and loving, our speech will follow.
Think Before Speaking
Develop the habit of pausing to evaluate your words. Ask yourself: is this comment necessary? Is it constructive? Could it be phrased more positively? Will it build others up or inflict friendly fire? Erring on the side of silence is wise. Think through the potential impact of each word.
Speak Directly, Not Indirectly
When you have a legitimate issue with someone, take it up with them privately. Don’t gossip to others behind their back. Healthy relationships require open, caring communication. Make sure your facts are accurate. Clarify misunderstandings. Avoid jumping to conclusions.
Focus on Solutions
Where problems do exist, concentrate on solutions more than faults. Pointing out failings without offering to help is counterproductive. Come alongside others in patience and grace. We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). A loving, constructive approach goes far.
Surround Yourself with Good Company
Our conduct is shaped by the company we keep. If your social circle routinely engages in toxic speech, their patterns will likely rub off on you. Seek out friends who exercise discretion and affirm others. Limit influence from those given to gossip, criticism, and slander.
The Blessings of Wholesome Speech
While restraining the tongue is difficult, choosing uplifting words reaps wonderful blessings:
- It demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
- It honors Christ and reflects His character.
- It promotes love and unity among believers.
- It draws nonbelievers to the faith.
- It blesses and builds up others.
- It strengthens wholesome relationships.
- It avoids much conflict and regret.
- It enables fruitful ministry.
- It glorifies God.
Let’s determine to use our words wisely for good, not evil. Though we’ll make mistakes, the effort is well worth it. Our gracious, loving God stands ready to help us each step of the way.
Other Relevant Scriptures
Here are some additional Bible passages about wholesome speech and the tongue:
- Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Proverbs 15:4 – “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
- Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
- Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
- Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- James 3:9-10 – “With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
- 1 Peter 3:10 – “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
Conclusion
The Bible clearly condemns evil speaking and instead commands wholesome, edifying speech that gives grace to others. Harboring bitterness or joining in malicious talk destroys relationships and dishonors God. As followers of Christ, we must bridle our tongues, speaking words that build up rather than tear down. While difficult, the effort to avoid slander, insults, gossip, and the like reaps wonderful blessings. May our speech consistently reflect the love, patience, and wisdom of our Savior.