"God's 'Zero Tolerance' Policy"

There was a time (a long time ago) when I chose a behavior which resulted in getting my mouth “washed out with soap”. Turned out I couldn’t out run my father and he had a bar of “Lava” soap. I couldn’t get the soap out of my mouth quickly enough. I didn’t enjoy at all what went into my mouth on that embarrassing occasion.

What I’ve learned over the years, is that I have to be equally concerned about what comes out of my mouth. I need to be concerned that the words and phrases I utter are wholesome, encouraging and supportive. As I listen to what people say (and write), I’m noticing that there seems to be less and less concern for encouraging, positive conversation. It seems that the “tone” of many conversations (writing too) quickly turns to things that are slanderous, gossipy and accusatory.

God has given some pretty clear directions for what should come out of one’s mouth. He has a “zero tolerance” policy for gossip and slander among his people. Yet, may a disciple has ignored God’s directions.

Here are a few of the things God has to say in this regard:

Proverbs 15: 2: “...the mouths of fools pours forth (more accurately “explodes out”) foolishness.”

Ephesians 4: 29: “Let no corrupt word (“dirty talk”) proceed out of your mouth.”

Ephesians 4: 25: “put away lying ... speak the truth.”

Ephesians 4: 31: “Let all ... clamor and evil speaking be put away from you.” That is no character assassinations.

Leviticus 19:16: “You shall not be a talebearer among your people.” That is to talk idly, foolishly or maliciously to spread rumors (or facts) about another was forbidden by the Leviticus law.

Speaking badly betrays confidences (Proverbs 11:13), separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9), shames and saddles you with a bad reputation (Proverbs 25: 9 – 10), and perpetually fuels the embers of a quarrel (Proverbs 26: 20 – 22).

Someone has noted that the words that come out of our mouths are like toothpaste coming out of a tube – once out it can’t be put back in.

I’m still embarrassed about behaving in a way to get soap in my mouth.

These days, though, my attention is focused more on what comes out. It is on guarding my mouth to “build each other up in love”, to “speak the truth in grace”, and to use my words to edify others and honor God.

I do so every mindful of God’s “zero tolerance” policy!!