UNBRIDLED MOCKERY

“A corrupt witness mocks at justice and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools,” Proverbs 19:29 (NIV). There is a significant increase of coarse talk everywhere these days. Justified criticisms that should be delivered with a coating of humility are now expressed with swift mocking and harsh judgment of motives. I must admit, I too have done it. Unbridled tongues are harmful and dangerous for both the speaker and hearer. Love grows when a fault is exposed and expressed in a loving manner but dwelling on it destroys any chance of reconciliation or positive change. We are warned in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV), “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.” Gracious God and Father, please forgive my loose talk. Help me speak the truth in love. I do not want to become a fool through unchecked mockery of others, nor invite Your wrath by unfairly judging those You made in Your image.