Category Archives: Backbiting

Backbiting, Bible, Bitterness, Curses, Scripture, Speech, Tongue

CURSES AND BITTERNESS

ROMANS 3:14

“‘THEIR MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS’”;

Every time I hear the word “bitter” I think about the Old Testament story when the Jewish nation had left Egypt and came to Marah. “When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter; for that reason it was named Marah.” (Exodus 15:23). Of course, that bitterness was due to high mineral and salt content. That is not the reason behind the bitterness we read about today.

Paul quotes in today’s verse from Psalm 10:7. “His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; Under his tongue is harm and injustice.” While Paul does not quote this literally, he does give the general sense of the verse. Enemies of Christ, and therefore our enemies, will curse and spew bitter words against Him and us. We should expect no less and not be surprised when they do.

APPLICATION

People who are living for Jesus will be targets of these people. One commentator suggested that perhaps David in Psalm 10:7 was thinking about the curses that Shimei yelled at him when he was fleeing Absalom. Can you stay calm like David as your enemies hurl all kinds of accusations against you? John McArthur said in a sermon that our enemies are our mission field. How true is that!

“Bitterness” is the Greek word pikria which is only used four times in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:31 says, “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.” This is not something a believer should have in their lives. Do you think for a second that Christ ever harbored a bitter word or thought? Then we should not either.

In short today, watch your mouth. No curses on others should be spoken which includes wishing someone ill will. Nor should you have bitter words come out of your mouth. Remember that your tongue is Christ’s tongue. He lives in you through the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit control that little muscle in your mouth and you will be so much better off.

Father God, help me today to control my tongue and speak only holy and pure things.

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Backbiting, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Destruction, Devour, Enemies, Gospel, Scripture

BACKBITING

GALATIANS 5:15

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”

We have all probably experienced the painful results of backbiting. Backbiting is defined as “malicious talk about someone who is not present.” If that has been done to you, you know the distrust it can bring. I pray you are not the one that has been doing it. It is never edifying and always destructive.

That’s where we find Paul today – addressing the issue of backbiting (or at least the possibility of it) among the Galatians. Paul uses some pretty descriptive words in this verse. In the application below I want to look at three words – bite, devour and consume. He paints a picture that no Christian should want to be a part of.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “bite” is not used in reference to animals biting. It is only used once, right here in the New Testament. It literally means to harm seriously, to backbite, to bite. It is not a little nibble. It is an intentional, meant-to-harm bite. This kind of bite leaves a mark, a wound. If you have experienced this, you know what I mean.

Secondly, Paul uses the Greek word translated “devour.” This word means to “eat all the way down (figuratively) utterly devour, leaving nothing; ferociously consume all the way down,” In Matthew 23:14, Jesus says, “‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses even while for appearances’ sake you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.’” The one doing the devouring intends to completely destroy the other person.

Finally, we see the word “consume.” It is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and in Luke 9:54, which interestingly enough is when James and John asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire from heaven to consume a village. They were upset about being rebuffed by them and wanted them wiped out. Oftentimes, the one doing the backbiting is motivated out of hurt they feel towards the other person.

So, what do these three words teach us about the perils of backbiting? It is never constructive, but always destructive. It brings harm to the one doing the backbiting as well as the one being talked about. It has no place in the family of God and will do nothing to help spread the message of the Gospel. If you are a victim of this, forgive. If you are the perpetrator, stop. It’s that simple.

Father, let us love in word and deed. Let us show others the love of Jesus every day.

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