AVOID SPEECH THAT INJURES

The Bible’s Viewpoint

 

“Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. It is not proper, my brothers, for these things to go on occurring this way.”—JAMES 3:10.

THE ability to speak is one unique trait that separates us from the animals. Sadly, some people misuse this privilege. Insults, cursing, profanity, blasphemy, vulgarities, and obscene language can hurt—sometimes more than physical injuries. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword,” says the Bible.—Proverbs 12:18.

More and more people swear and curse routinely. Schools are reporting an increase in the use of foul language by children. Some people claim, though, that hurtful speech can be beneficial when used for emotional release. A student of political science wrote: “Using foul language should be a powerful act, when normal vocabulary just doesn’t convey the richness of our feelings.” Should Christians have such a casual attitude toward hurtful speech? How does God feel about it?

Abhor Obscene Jesting

Obscene language is not a modern phenomenon. Would it surprise you to learn that people used obscene speech in the days of the apostles, nearly 2,000 years ago? For example, it appears that some in the Colossian congregation used obscenities when angered. They may have done so to attack or hurt others intentionally, perhaps in retaliation. Likewise, many people today use obscene speech in outbursts of anger. Hence, Paul’s letter to the Colossians is relevant in our day. Paul wrote: “Put them all away from you, wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8) Clearly, Christians are admonished to avoid outbursts of anger and the obscene language that so often go hand in hand with anger.

Granted, many use obscenities with no intention of attacking or injuring others. Likely, obscene language is most often used in a casual manner. Vile expressions thus become deeply entrenched in everyday speech. Some even find it hard to communicate without the use of expletives. Oftentimes, obscene language is even used to elicit laughter. But should such obscene jesting be viewed as a lesser, more tolerable offense? Consider the following.

Obscene jesting is shocking language intended to amuse others. Today obscene jesting is mostly sex-oriented. And many who consider themselves decent people find such language entertaining. (Romans 1:28-32) It is not surprising, then, that both natural and unnatural sexual behaviors are the subject matter of many professional comedians. Obscene jesting is featured in many movies as well as in television and radio programs.

The Bible is not silent on the subject of obscene jesting. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus: “Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people; neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming.” (Ephesians 5:3, 4) Clearly, obscene language, regardless of its intent, is offensive to God. It is bad. It is speech that injures.

Harsh Words That Displease God

Injurious speech certainly encompasses much more than obscene language. Insults, sarcasm, mockery, and harsh criticism can hurt deeply. Admittedly, we all sin with our tongue, especially in the environment of sarcasm and backbiting that prevails around us. (James 3:2) Still, true Christians should never adopt a casual attitude toward abusive speech. The Bible establishes clearly that Jehovah God disapproves of all speech that injures.

For instance, in the Bible book of Second Kings, we learn of a group of boys who verbally harassed the prophet Elisha. The account says that they “began to jeer him” and “kept saying to him: ‘Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!’” Jehovah, who could read the hearts of these young ones and see their malicious intent, took their verbal abuse very seriously. The account says that God put 42 boys to death because of their abusive speech.—2 Kings 2:23, 24.

The people of Israel “were continually making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising his words and mocking at his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until there was no healing.” (2 Chronicles 36:16) Although God’s rage was principally incited by his people’s idolatrous and disobedient course, it is noteworthy that the Bible specifically mentions the verbal abuse directed at God’s prophets. This highlights God’s outright disapproval of such conduct.

Accordingly, the Bible admonishes Christians: “Do not severely criticize an older man.” (1 Timothy 5:1) This principle could be applied to our dealings with everyone. The Bible encourages us “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.”—Titus 3:2.

Keeping Our Lips in Check

At times, the urge to attack someone verbally could be hard to resist. When wronged, a person might feel justified in punishing the offender with cruel, harsh words—either to his face or behind his back. Still, Christians resist such an urge. Proverbs 10:19 states: “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.”

God’s angels set a good example. They are aware of all the wrong that is done by humankind. Although the angels are greater than man in strength and power, they do not bring against humans an accusation in abusive terms, “not doing so out of respect for Jehovah.” (2 Peter 2:11) Knowing that God is fully aware of everyone’s wrongdoing and is fully capable of correcting matters, the angels keep their lips in check. Michael, the chief of all angels, refrained from using abusive terms, even against the Devil.—Jude 9.

Christians strive to imitate the angels. They follow the Bible admonition: “Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.’”—Romans 12:17-19.

Interestingly, even the tone and volume of our voice can add a hurtful edge to what we say. It is not uncommon for husbands and wives to hurt each other in shouting matches. Many parents often scream at their children. However, there is no need for us to scream when expressing our feelings. The Bible urges: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) The Bible also says that “a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all.”—2 Timothy 2:24.

Words That Heal

Because of the prevalence of abusive and obscene speech today, Christians should have a strategy to resist this harmful influence. The Bible provides a good strategy, namely, to love our neighbor. (Matthew 7:12; Luke 10:27) Genuine concern and love for neighbor will motivate us always to use words that heal. The Bible says: “Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth, but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.”—Ephesians 4:29.

Also, the implanting of the Word of God in our minds helps us to avoid speech that injures. Reading and meditating on the Holy Scriptures can help us to “put away all filthiness.” (James 1:21) Yes, the Word of God can heal our minds.

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ARE ALL RELIGIONS DIFFERENT ROADS LEADING TO GOD?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

“I FIND it literally incredible that the God of the whole universe has chosen to be known by one religious tradition,” stated author Marcus Borg. Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu said: “No religion can claim to have the whole truth about the mystery” of faith. A popular Hindu view is “Jotto moth, totto poth,” which means when loosely translated that all religions are but different roads leading to the same goal. Buddhists also share this viewpoint. Indeed, millions of people believe that all religions are different roads leading to God.

Historian Geoffrey Parrinder stated: “It is sometimes said that all religions have the same goal, or are equal ways to the truth, or even that all teach the same doctrines.” The teachings, rituals, and deities of religions are indeed similar. Most religions speak about love and teach that murder, stealing, and lying are wrong. In most religious groups, some put forth sincere efforts to help others. So, then, if one is sincere in his beliefs and tries to live a good life, does it matter what religion he belongs to? Or are all religions just different roads leading to God?

Sincerity Alone—Is It Enough?

Consider the case of the first-century Jewish man named Saul, who became the Christian apostle known as Paul. He was a very zealous adherent of Judaism, and this led him to try to stamp out the worship of the followers of Christ, which worship he felt was improper. (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1, 2) But through God’s mercy Saul came to realize that very religious people like himself might have a zeal for God, and yet, because of not having all the facts, they might be wrong. (Romans 10:2) When Saul learned more about God’s will and dealings, he changed and began to worship with the very ones he had been persecuting—the followers of Jesus Christ.—1 Timothy 1:12-16.

Does the Bible say that there are hundreds of faiths to choose from and that whichever one we select will be all right with God? The apostle Paul received instructions from the resurrected Jesus Christ that said quite the contrary. Jesus sent him to people of the nations “to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God.” (Acts 26:17, 18) Clearly, our choice of religion does matter. Many of the people to whom Paul was sent already had a religion. But they were in “darkness.” Indeed, if all religions were simply different roads leading to life everlasting and God’s favor, there would have been no need for Jesus to train his followers for the disciple-making work that he commissioned them to do.—Matthew 28:19, 20.

In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14) The Bible explicitly states that there is “one faith.” (Ephesians 4:5) Clearly, many who are on the “broad” road have a religion. But they do not have the “one faith.” Since there is only one true form of worship, those who desire to find that true faith will have to seek it out.

Search for the True God

From the very beginning of man’s history, God has told humans what he wants them to do. (Genesis 1:28; 2:15-17; 4:3-5) Today his requirements are clearly explained in the Bible. This makes it possible for us to distinguish between acceptable worship and unacceptable worship. (Matthew 15:3-9) Some people have inherited their religion, while others just go along with the majority in the community. For many, religion is simply a matter of when and where they were born. However, should you leave your choice of religion to chance or let others make this decision for you?

Your choice of religion should be an informed one based on a careful examination of the Scriptures. In the first century, certain educated people did more than simply accept the apostle Paul’s words at face value. They ‘carefully examined the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.’ (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) Why not do the same yourself?

The Bible describes the God of the universe as looking for people to worship him with truth. As recorded at John 4:23, 24, Jesus explained: “Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.” Only “worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father” is acceptable to him. (James 1:27) God has blessed the search of millions to find the narrow road that leads to life. He will not give eternal life to the indifferent but rather to those who put forth a real effort to find the narrow way he has set out and then follow it.—Malachi 3:18.

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DO THE STARS AFFECT YOUR LIFE?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

 

Does he love me?

Should I travel today?

Will I get that job?

TO ANSWER questions such as those above, many turn to astrology. But do the stars really affect your life? Can they help you learn about your future, or about yourself? What does the Bible say?

Can the Stars Influence Our Future?

Some people believe that we cannot escape our destiny. The future has already been written, they say, and the stars can reveal it. But the Bible indicates otherwise. It tells us that God gives people a choice, which implies that they have a certain degree of control over what happens to them. For example, he told the Israelites: “I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring.”—Deuteronomy 30:19.

With those words, Jehovah God made it clear to his people that they had a large degree of control over their future. If they obeyed his commands, they would experience blessings. If they disobeyed, they would bring hardship upon themselves.

Consider: If the future of each Israelite had already been written in the stars, would it make sense for God to urge them to choose life? Would it even be fair for God to hold them accountable for actions over which they had no control?

The lesson from the Bible is clear: Our life course depends on the choices we make—not on the stars.—Galatians 6:7.

Can the Stars Influence Our Personality?

Most astrologers downplay the idea of predestination. “We control our own destiny,” claims one, but he adds: “On the other hand, the time of our birth has an influence on the structure of our personality.” Many people believe similarly. They feel that since the stars and planets exert a physical influence on our earth, why would they not also have a metaphysical effect? What does the Bible indicate?

The Bible is not a scientific textbook, spelling out every detail about the human body and the universe. However, it does explain the purpose for which Jehovah created the heavenly bodies. Genesis 1:14, 15 states: “God said, ‘I command lights to appear in the sky and to separate day from night and to show the time for seasons . . . I command them to shine on the earth.’”—Contemporary English Version.

Consider: If God had designed the stars to influence our personality, would he not have told us so?

What can we conclude? That the stars are part of God’s creative work but do not influence our personality.

A Better Approach

If we desire to learn about our future or understand ourselves, that is commendable. But there is a better place to look than to the stars.

The Bible describes Jehovah God as “the One telling from the beginning the finale.” (Isaiah 46:10) He has a purpose, which he will bring to success. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) We can learn about God’s purpose by reading the Bible. This ancient sacred book also explains why we suffer and how God will bring an end to the very conditions that plague mankind.—2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4.

When it comes to learning about and improving ourselves, the Bible is the best place to look for guidance. Why? Because reading it helps us to take an honest look at ourselves. For example, the Bible states that Jehovah God is “merciful,” “slow to anger,” and “ready to forgive.” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:5) But are we like that? The Bible can expose our erroneous thinking and help us see where we need to improve.

Therefore, we do not need to look to the stars to learn about our future or about ourselves. A better approach is to look to the Bible, which is “inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.”—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

[Footnotes]

Astrology is the study of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, with the belief that these heavenly bodies have an influence on us and can help us to understand ourselves.

For more information on God’s purpose, see chapter 3 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

HAVE YOU WONDERED?

● Why did God create the heavenly bodies?—Genesis 1:14, 15.

● How can you take a more objective view of your personality?—Hebrews 4:12.

● How can you know for sure what the future holds?—Isaiah 46:10.

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CYBERATTACK!

IMAGINE a platoon of expert computer criminals using the Internet to operate networks of hijacked computers. This army of computers, known as botnets (robot networks), unleashes a barrage of malicious computer code targeting a specific nation. Within minutes, that nation’s military, financial, and commercial Web sites crash. ATMs and phone networks fail. Airplanes are grounded, and computer and safety systems at a nuclear power plant are disrupted. How would people react? What would they do? What would you do?

Perhaps the above scenario seems far-fetched. But according to Richard A. Clarke, the former U.S. National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counterterrorism, something similar could happen in real life. In fact, there have already been cyberattacks. Perhaps you have even been a victim.

Why would anyone want to launch a cyberattack? How are cyberattacks carried out? And since cybercrime against individuals is common, how can you protect yourself online?

The Digital Battlefield

People launch cyberattacks for various reasons. Terrorists or governments, for instance, may try to infiltrate the computer networks of their enemies to steal secrets or to sabotage the equipment that those computer networks control. In 2010, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III admitted that foreign “adversaries” had repeatedly attacked and penetrated classified U.S. computer networks and stolen “thousands of files . . . including weapons blueprints, operational plans, and surveillance data.”—See the box “Some Recent Cyberattacks.”

Computer criminals use similar methods to steal intellectual property or financial information from corporate networks and personal computers. Criminals reportedly rake in billions of dollars each year by means of fraudulent network transactions.

Criminal hackers have assembled vast armies of hijacked computers to carry out their online attacks. In 2009, an Internet security firm uncovered a criminal gang that remotely controlled a global network of nearly two million computers, many of them owned by private citizens. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently estimated that 1 in 3 online computers is remotely controlled by an intruder. What about your computer? Could someone commandeer it without your knowledge?

Silent Stalkers

Picture the following scenario. A criminal transmits a malicious program over the Internet. When the program finds your computer, it silently probes its online defenses. When it finds an unguarded door, it burrows deep into your computer and rummages around for useful information. The malicious program may then change or delete your computer files, e-mail itself to other computers, or send passwords, financial details, or other confidential information back to the intruder.

Computer criminals could even trick you into infecting your computer yourself! How? You may infect your own computer by opening an innocent-looking e-mail attachment, clicking on a Web page link, downloading and installing a free computer program, plugging an infected memory device into your computer, or simply visiting a questionable Web site. Each of these actions can install malicious software on your computer and bring it under the control of a remote intruder.

How can you know if your computer has been infected? It can be very difficult to detect. Your computer or Internet connection may seem very slow, your applications may not run, pop-up boxes may prompt you to install certain programs, or your computer may operate in an unusual way. If you note any of these symptoms, have a reputable technician check your computer.

‘Consider Your Steps’

As nations and individuals become more reliant on computer technology, cyberattacks will likely become more common. Accordingly, many nations are scrambling to beef up their digital defenses, and some are conducting large-scale exercises to test the resilience of their computer networks to attack. Still, “given enough time, motivation and funding,” admits Steven Chabinsky, a senior U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation computer security expert, “a determined adversary will always—always—be able to penetrate a targeted system.”

What can you do to protect yourself online? While complete online security may not be possible, you can take practical steps to make your computer more secure.   The Bible states: “The shrewd one considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15) Surely wise advice when you go online!

  

PROTECT YOURSELF!

 1. Install antivirus, spyware-detection, and firewall software on your computer. Keep that software and your operating system updated with all security updates.

 2. Think before you click on links or open attachments in e-mails or instant messages—even from friends. Be especially cautious if the mail is unsolicited and asks for personal information or passwords.

 3. Never copy or run software from unknown sources.

 4. Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers and symbols, and change them regularly. Use different passwords for different accounts.

 5. Do business online only with reputable companies that use secure connections.

 6. Do not give out confidential information about yourself or your accounts when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections, such as in public places.

 7. Switch your computer off when it is not in use.

 8. Regularly back up your files, and store copies securely.

 May 2012 AWAKE MAGAZINE

 

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