posted on Thursday, February 21, 2019
Speak No
If you answered evil, you aced the quiz. The sentence, “Speak no evil” is brief and easy to understand. Why then is it so difficult for many of us to refrain from speaking evil of others? Is it because it’s easy to find fault in those we feel are different than we are? Or is it that we actually feel better about ourselves when we bring others down? In today’s world, we don’t have to look very far to find negative role models that often speak ill or evil of others. We can easily get caught up in negativity within our groups. When we find others that speak the same way we do, it may reinforce us to become even more intense with our evil talk. Speaking evil of others can become contagious. With social media becoming a norm, it’s easy to see how it can be used to spread evil talk at a rate like never before.
Do you know anyone who you would describe as someone that never speaks ill of others? Would you like to have others describe you that way? I would describe Ed Thomas that way. He had a special quality that allowed him to only see the good in others. You couldn’t get him to say something bad about another. After working with him for a while, I noticed that quality about him. It became a mirror for me to look into and I didn’t like what I saw. Not speaking evil of others is a part of living life with a positive attitude. It’s a part that’s often overlooked. Next time you hear others speaking ill of someone, try holding your tongue. If you do, you will find that it feels pretty good.
I will be working on not speaking evil for the rest of my days. To not speak ill of others is a strong character trait that can make our lives a little better. It’s a bit concerning how speaking evil seems to have become more pervasive in our culture. What do you think?
"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."
Ephesians 4:29
Your Challenge
Try to look for the good in others. When others are speaking evil of someone, choose to not to get involved. Maybe we can even share the good we see in that person.
Respectfully,
Al Kerns & the Ed Thomas Family Foundation
This post is written by Al Kerns, a long-time friend of Ed Thomas and a team member with the Ed Thomas Family Foundation. Al coached with Ed for 30+ years at Aplington-Parkersburg.