QUOTES FOR AUG 30, 2026

 

ABUNDANT LIFE

 

     Today we are looking at the next three rules or principle of an abundant life.  Last week we learn that Jordan Peterson had his 12 rules for life and Ben Franklin had his 13 rules for life.   Bruce Wilkinson had a book called the, “Seven laws of the Learner.  As we learned last week that David had his 12 rules or principles for life.  Twelve characteristics that are an outgrowth of a godly life.   We might called these the fruit of a godly life in the Old Testament.  Paul outline in Gal 5:22-23, the 9 fruit of the Spirit they are  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  These were Paul’s list for the godly life.  David had two characteristics that made him a model for godly living.  He was a worshipper and a man after God’s own heart.  He was quick to repent, to take responsibility for his sin and not to do it again.  We can learn from David to keep short accounts with God.  David never blamed any anyone for his sin, or deflected, justified or made excuses for his sin.  This type of view is so needed today.  People instead of repenting of sin now applaud those who do, call them brave and make them examples of progress of new attitudes. 

     The first three that we look at last week were internal qualities day by day decisions we make in our private world and then bring them to our public world.  They were choices.  Now we are going to look at how these decision and choices affect our public world.  The next three are as follows.

 

1.      Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  The way to avoid being a carrier of slander is to make a decision to be like David and asked the Lord to put a watchman on my mouth.  Also remember that the tongue is a instrument of blessing and cursing.  My Dad use to say, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.  A little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  Never, never, never, run someone, business, church or organization down.  It makes you look petty, vindictive, rude and childish.  Here are five things that people hate done on social media. 

 

a.     Mentioning people for your own self serving purposes.

b.     Only contacting people when trying to get something out of them.

c.      Insulting people in a bid for moral or intellectual superiority.

d.     Showing how fit or well liked you are.

e.      Showing how rich, successful and popular you are,

 

f.        People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander.  Solomon Says in Prov 17:9, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”  Again Solomon says in Prov 26:20, “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”  Paul gives a strong exhortation in Tit 3:2. “Slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

 

2.      Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are ten things you can do to treat others better.

 

a.      Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

b.      Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

c.      Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

d.      Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

e.      Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

f.       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

g.      The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

h.      Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

i.       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

j.       Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought. 

 

     The story of the Good Samaritan is Jesus parable in Luke 10:25-37, on who is our neighbor.  Let’s review it for a moment.

 

3.      Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord.  James gives us a wonderful way to handle the temptation to slander or insult someone.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Your zinger insult will not accomplish what you want unless you are totally heartless.  Instead choose to make a difference.   Paul states in Col 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Also he says in Eph 4:29, “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.”  Simple but powerful advice.  What I have talk about are three rules for dealing with your neighbor.  They are fruit of that someone who wants to be a temple of the Holy Spirit and a dweller in the presence of the Lord.  How would you like to be so full of God’s anointing that after you die like the bones of Elisha bringing someone back to life after he was dead.  2 Kings 13:21. 

PSALM 15 PART 3

 

     This is the last message or presentation of our four part series on the twelve lesson for life found in Psalm 15.  Benjamin Franklin had has 13 principles for life.  Jordan Peterson had his 12 rules for life.  David gives his twelve and I think I would rather have David’s.  David says those who do these principles or rules for life with not be shaken.  David makes it clear that if you want a solid life it must be built on the Lord.  Jesus told his audience that a man who does the will of God must build his life on a rock so when the storms of life come they will not be shaken.  Sound like good advice.  Let us look at the last three today,

 

Does not change their mind; NIV, does not change. NASV, changeth not KJV,  

Now this almost seems a part of keeping your promise but it also a rule or principal in other areas of life.  There is a standard of life it is the word of God.  It is standard for faith and practice.  Also as a Christian we need to be like Jesus Christ.  He is the same yesterday today and forever.  What David talking about here is a consistency of character.  Being faithful, walking with integrity.  Being trustworthy, honest and stable.  Some called this maturity.  Many people get older but not necessarily mature. 

Change is inevitable and healthy but some things are not.  Culture, morality, standards truth, societal may try to drive change and call it progressive but some things must not change.  What we are talking about speaks to something I said in the last message.  The truth, laws, principles, statutes and law of the Bible are timeless and proven.  We stand on them.  We stand on thus sayeth the word of the Lord.  It does not matter what a government, judge, human rights council, lawmaker or legislature says.  If the Bible says it is wrong it is wrong.  Those who in the name of inclusion, openness, tolerance and progress and put aside the Word of God for the sake of being culturally relevant are actually false prophets, liars unsaved and deceived.  The Bible again does not have to be re-written, or re-interpreted it needs to be re-read. 

God’s consistency and stability brings order to chaos, truth to lies, knowledge to ignorance and discipline to confusion.  Remember the Lord is not the author of confusion the devil is.  Like anyone I believe in change but not at the expense of truth, righteousness and justice.

 

Who lends money to the poor without interest.

 

1.      David was again emphasizing a law given by Moses of never charging interest on a loan to a fellow Jew or poor man.  Jesus walked about not taking a poor person belongings as collateral for a loan.  David was talking about being generous.  He is talking about helping others without any thought of them returning the favor.  This follow through with charity, acts of kindness, generosity and love.

2.      Here is a quote about being Generous.  Being generous connects you with people and improves your relationships. Generous people find success as they help others succeed. Generous people believe changing even one life is worthwhile. Generous people see the skills and resources to give, not just money.

3.      Here are Seven reasons to be generous and be givers.

 

a.      Being generous makes you happier and generates happiness.  God loves a cheerful giver.

b.      Generous people trust in people.

c.      Generous people give first - they don’t wait for others to be generous to them first and then decide to give.

d.      It shows that you have the nature and character of God. 

e.      You understand that as you give you receive.  It is the law of the sower.

f.       It is a command to give. 

g.      It releases the resources of heaven.

4.      Jesus said when we give and help others we are doing it unto Him.  We are helping Jesus as Mother Theresa put it in his destressing disguise.  Helping the poor without any thought of return or benefit so you can receive a reward from God.  You do it in secret so your Father in heaven will reward you.  We are God’s hand of love.

 

Who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

 

1.      Obviously David was talking about officials in authority.  As a leader he was definitely thinking about abuse of power and authority.  Now this can apply to any level.  A parent, teacher, municipal, provincial, or Federal.  It could be business or social.  Never be involved in any wrong doing especially against the innocent.  God keeps the record and no one gets away with anything.  Corruption is everywhere but the one who is righteous will never be involved in it.  There are two reasons why corruption happens.  Greed and evil desires. 

2.      Did you know?    Corruption has an impact on investment, trade,  aid, growth, inequality, black market economy and crime.  It leads to skepticism, cynicism and the belief that all politicians are corrupt.  That is what has happened in Canada.  This present government has proven that and the sad part is that we are getting the governments we deserve because the church has failed to be the voice of morally, ethics, justice and truth.  The only answer to the church and the society as a whole is a righteous, holy and powerful church.   The world should be more afraid of the church than we should be of the world.  Remember greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.  Never take part in anything to hurt another person especially the innocent. 

3.      Here are the reasons why people hurt others, they were abused, are angry, have control issues, do not set or have boundaries, have a mental issue, afraid, lack empathy, tired and exhausted.  These are reasons but not justifications  or excuses.  Everyone is a victim in pain, hurt or offended.  The secret is to forgive.  Which is another sermon.

4.      James says that true religion is taking care of the widows and orphans and staying unpolluted by the world.  We are our brother’s keeper.  Never gossip, slander, lie, mistreat or hurt another.  God is watching and God will judge.  What we do to others will be done to us.  Remember to treat others as you would want to be treated.   

 

     David close by saying that those who do these things, follow these rules or principles will not be shaken.  They will have a foundation for life.  They will have a philosophy for living.  No one and nothing will shake their world because their lives is based in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  They have followed the Word of God.  They have a rock on which to stand.  The have a refuge and fortress.   No matter what is going around them  they have a firm grasp on reality.  They know all things work together for God.  They are not anxious but peaceful.  They have cast their fears, cares and burdens to the Lord and He is carrying them.  This is the promise and reality.  You want peace that passes all understanding this is the way.  This is a work of grace and the Spirit.  Let us close with prayer that this reality would be deposited in our lives today.  Prayer today is the avenue and vehicle which this is release.  We have heard the promise and now through prayer lets receive. 

 

 

 

 

 

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PSALM 15

 

Psalm 15

 

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?   Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

     David asks himself and his reader’s two questions.  The first is who may dwell in the sacred tent or the tabernacle?  The tabernacle was where the presence, purity, sacredness, holiness, authority and power of God resided.  So who can dwell or even abide in such a place?  Who can receive the full pardon from their sin, salvation and redemption it brings?  Who can get the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God? 

     The next question who can live on your holy hill?  David said he would rather be a gatekeeper at the house of God than 1000 years somewhere else.  David’s own palace was a couple hundred yards away from the tabernacle.  He could see it when he wrote this psalm which was written near the end of his life.  David was a worshipper and He loved God’s house.  He is a role model for what a true child of God should look like.  David was a man after God’s own heart and we should make that our goal. 

 

David then gives a list of twelve things he thinks are criteria for a godly life.  So we will call them David’s twelve rules for life.  These are also fruit of a godly life.  These are out growths of a life centered on God. 

 

1.      The one whose walk is blameless.  You cannot attach blame, slander, accusation or shame on one who walks blameless.  You are walking in love acceptance and forgiveness.  You are living for God and you remember you have an audience of one.  Your private world and public world are the same.  Your thoughts, words and deeds are influenced by the word of God and prayer.  You care only for what God thinks and lived accordingly.  You are not influenced, controlled or subject to popularity, fame, fortune or things.  You know you are called to be an example.  Your life speaks about your faith.  You show others your faith by what you do.  Your walk backs up your talk.

 

2.       Who does what is righteous.  Righteous means a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, good or excellent.  It means right thinking, attitude, motives, speech and actions.  You want to be right with God and man.  This is your aim and goal every moment.  You live as Jesus could come back at any moment.  You think Phil 4:8, 8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  You know actions will follow what we think.  David begins with action.

 

3.      Who speaks the truth from their heart.  Paul clarifies it by saying speak the truth in love.  You speak the truth.  You live the state or quality of truthfulness.  You share God’s word.  You tell others about Jesus that He is the way, the truth and the life.  Truth is part of your DNA.  You speak from your heart.  There is no agenda or selfish motives.  You want the best for others.  Honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability are your aims and goals.  You speak the truth in love.  Your truth is patient, kind, does not dishonor, not self seeking, angry, wrongful, evil, desires to protect, build trust and hope

 

4.      Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  Little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander. 

 

5.      Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are ten things you can do to treat others better.

 

a.      Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

b.      Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

c.      Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

d.      Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

e.      Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

f.       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

g.      The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

h.      Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

i.       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

j.       Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought

 

6.      Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord. 

 

 

PSALM 15 - PART 2

 

We are continuing our series on the 12 rules for life as laid out in Psalm 15 by David.  Mankind can always give rules for life.  I have read the laws of a learner by Bruce Wilkinson.  There are lots of gurus and motivational speakers who can give you rules and principles for life but David was a success in what He did and he had a wonderful relationship with God and we can learn some very powerful things from His life.  What I love about this Psalm is that completely agrees what is throughout the Bible.  So today let us look at three more.  They are found in verse 4.

 

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; KJV, a contemptible person is despised, NASV, who despises a vile person, NIV, despise the despicable. MB. 

 

1.      When you are a child of God behavior is very important.  It is a outgrowth of character.  When you come across someone who is rude, loud, aggressive, selfish and self-absorbed it hurts your heart.  Despicable in the truest sense is a hateful person.  A person intent on hurting others, being mean, getting revenge, blaming others for their faults and failures.  Contemptible means scornful, mocking and rude.  A quality of a righteous person is that we hate, dislike and do not tolerate a person like that.  This is where you speak the truth in love.  You defend those who the objects of this behavior.  A contemptible person is often a bully.  We should always stand up against a bully.

 

a.       The child of God is called to care for the sick, prisoner, feed the hungry and stand up for the vulnerable.  This is where James says we can become angry and sin not.  We have a responsibility to stand up for righteousness.  We are the conscious of the world.  We must exercise of morally responsibility.  The reason we see the moral decay of our society is because the church is no longer the moral compass of the nation.

b.      We have dead preacher delivering dead sermon to dead people.  This is the time where say thsus sayeth the word of the Lord.  To the Hillary Clinton’s, Justin Trudeau’s of the world.  The Bible is true and every man a liar.  To those who say the Bible needs to be rewritten, no it does not it just needs to be re-read.

c.      This is the time we love the sinner but hate the sin.  This is the time where we say get right with God.  Remember the gospel will always be offensive because it tells people they are sinners and need a savior.  It is not popular to tell someone they are not okay.  You are a herald warning of impending doom and judgment.   We need to not be afraid to correct or even rebuke someone when they are acting like a fool or may I even say an idiot.  Never be afraid of people be more afraid of God.  Again it is done in love.  We must love people enough to stand strong for truth, morally and righteousness.  We must love them enough to try and help, correct and change bad behavior, bullying and rudeness.  God loves us to much to leave us the way we are and we must do the same if possible.  Talk about David dealt with the man who claim to kill Saul.

 

But honors those who fear the Lord. 

 

1.       This mean you hold someone in high regard, esteem and respect.  The reason is because that person fears the Lord.  Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Pr 9:10.  When we are talking about fear of the Lord we mean to hold in respect and reverence.  You need to have a healthy fear of God.  He is the one who hold your life in His hands.  One day you are going to be judged by Him and He made you. 

2.      Here are six ways you can honor someone who fears the Lord.

 

a.      Refuse to believe an accusation or unsupported charge against them.  Do not gossip or attack their character.

b.      Support what they are doing or believe in some sort of visible way.

c.      Always speak well of them whenever possible.  Talk about their good points and characteristics and why you admire them.

d.      By giving them gifts, tokens of appreciations for who they are and what they have done.

e.      By being their friend and fellow believer in the Lord.  Being loyal, trustworthy, faithful, honest, truthful and responsible.

f.       Living the best life possible and using them as examples and role models. 

 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.  KJV, He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change; NASV, who keeps an oath even when it hurts NIV

 

1.      Simply put a person who is keeps his promise no matter what.  Your word is stronger than any written contract.  When you swear and oath, make a promise do a contract under no circumstances do you not fulfill it.  Even if cost you much. 

2.      Here are seven reasons you should keep your promises.

 

a.      Unfulfilled promises leave open loops.  Areas where the enemy and others can attack you character, reputation and integrity.

b.      Fulfilled promises are great for motivation and success.  Did you know breaking a promise can actually begin cycles of failure.  Remember you reap what you sow.

c.      Broken promises impact you as much as the person you make the promise to.  They impact you negatively.  You feel that you have let that person down and yourself.

d.      Living up to every single promise builds trust in yourself and others.  It also builds respect and reputation.

e.      Keeping your promises helps you to find a peaceful balance.  It brings peace with God, others and ourselves.

f.       A string of unfulfilled promises can damage your self-esteem.  It can bring shame, disappointment and embarrassment.  It hurts you believe or not as much as it hurts others.

g.      Fulfilling promises keeps you on track to achieve your life goals.  It keeps you motivated because you feel good about being responsible, helpful and trusted by others.  You have touched others, kept a commitment.

 

3.      It is not easy to keep a promise or oath and a person of integrity follows Jesus’ advice when he said, “Let your yes be yes and your no, no.  Nothing more is needed or added.  A godly person can be trusted with their word.  

4.      Remember promises are hard work, to be taken seriously, they are affirmation of love, respect, friendship and connection.  Promises are should never be beyond our boundaries and abilities.  Promises are both about what we can do for others and ourselves.  David says keep your promises even to your own hurt or detriment.  They are a mark of who you are and God’s influence in your life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSALM 15 - 0ART ONE

 

Psalm 15

 

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?   Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

          David asks himself and his reader’s two questions.  The first is who may dwell in the sacred tent or the tabernacle?  The tabernacle was where the presence, purity, sacredness, holiness, authority and power of God resided.  So who can dwell or even abide in such a place?  Who can receive the full pardon from their sin, salvation and redemption it brings?  Who can get the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God?    David had brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after it had been away or not with the people in a visible way.  When they brought it they stopped every 18 feet and made a sacrifice.  From the home of Ebed edom to Mount Moriah they sacrificed 3708 times. 

     The next question who can live on your holy hill?  David said he would rather be a gatekeeper at the house of God than 1000 years somewhere else.  David’s own palace was a couple hundred yards away from the tabernacle.  He could see it when he wrote this psalm which was written near the end of his life.  David was a worshipper and He loved God’s house.  He is a role model for what a true child of God should look like.  David was a man after God’s own heart and we should make that our goal. 

 

David then gives a list of twelve things he thinks are criteria for a godly life.  So we will call them David’s twelve rules for life.  Recently Jordan Peterson wrote a book called 12 rules for life and then wrote a follow up.  Ben Franklin had his 13 rules for life.  These are David’s.  I think I would rather have David’s because they are  based on the revelation of God.  These are also fruit of a godly life.  These are out growths of a life centered on God. 

 

•       The one whose walk is blameless.  You cannot attach blame, slander, accusation or shame on one who walks blameless.  You are innocent of blame.  You are a person of integrity.  You live above reproach or suspicion.  Daniel was such a man.  Dare to be a Daniel.  You are walking in love acceptance and forgiveness.  You are living for God and you remember you have an audience of one.  Your private world and public world are the same.  Your thoughts, words and deeds are influenced by the word of God and prayer.  You care only for what God thinks and lived accordingly.  You are not influenced, controlled or subject to popularity, fame, fortune or things.  You know you are called to be an example.  Your life speaks about your faith.  You show others your faith by what you do.  Your walk backs up your talk. 

 

•       Who does what is righteous.  Righteous means a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, good or excellent.  One of the compound names of God is Jehovah Tsidkenu which means the Lord the righteous one.  Being righteous is a communicated godly attribute.  You get its fullness when you come to Christ.  It means right thinking, attitude, motives, speech and actions.  You want to be right with God and man.  This is your aim and goal every moment.  You live as Jesus could come back at any moment.  You think Phil 4:8, 8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  You know actions will follow what we think.  David begins with action.

 

•       Who speaks the truth from their heart.  Paul clarifies it by saying speak the truth in love.  You speak the truth.  You live the state or quality of truthfulness.  You share God’s word.  You tell others about Jesus that He is the way, the truth and the life.  Truth is part of your DNA.  You speak from your heart.  There is no agenda or selfish motives.  You want the best for others.  Honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability are your aims and goals.  You speak the truth in love.  Your truth is patient, kind, does not dishonor, not self seeking, angry, wrongful, evil, desires to protect, build trust and hope.  You know that truth must be given but in such a way that will best help the person you are speaking too.  You use truth as a balm of Gilead to heal not as a bullet or sword to kill and destroy. 

 

•       Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  Little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander. 

 

•       Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are nine things you can do to treat others better.

 

•       Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

•       Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

•       Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

•       Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

•       Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

•       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

•       The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

•       Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

•       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

 

Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought

 

•       Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord.  James gives us a wonderful way to handle the temptation to slander or insult someone.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Your zinger insult will not accomplish what you want unless you are totally heartless.  Instead choose to make a difference.