How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
Numbers 23:8 KJV

This was the statement made by Balaam when Balak paid him to curse Israel, the people of God.

To curse is to injure or puncture with words. It is the use of the tongue to speak vile things against another.

The Christian must be very watchful about what he says about others; he must watch his verdicts concerning the lives and ministries of others.

Some Christians are often so arrogantly bold to make authoritative conclusions about the lives of others.

This pastor is this and that! That brother is so and so!

We boldly input motives into actions, as though we have some special eyes to behold the secret intents of men’s hearts. We attach evil labels and tags to others and make it our goal to darken their name as much as lies within our power.

When we do these things, we curse. We curse whom God has not cursed. We boldly say things about others that God has not said or is saying about them. We set our words against the words of the Almighty One.

11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.

15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the Lord yonder.

16 And the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the Lord spoken?

18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Numbers 23: 11, 15 – 20 KJV

Alas, every time Balaam assayed to curse, only blessings gushed forth. The ways of God are past finding out! God always finds a way to turn the curses of arrogant men into blessings that cause the accused to flourish even more.

Just like Shimei the other day. Who cursed David and called the Lord’s anointed a man of Belial. David later had his kingdom restored to him, and Shimei met his bitter end in the hands of Solomon.

Balaam, in all his evil, paused to ask: How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?

Perhaps if you paused to ask yourself that question a bit more often, you would learn to put your tongue to better use. Either to preach, sing, or pray. Blessed. Credit: Pastor Popoola Oluwatobi

Table of Contents

Be Very Watchful About What You Says About Others

Words hold immense power. In the Christian faith, the significance of words is repeatedly emphasized in Scripture, underscoring the impact they have on both the speaker and the listener. In a world where communication is instant and often unfiltered, Christians are called to be vigilant in their speech, especially when it concerns others. The Bible teaches that our words should be a reflection of Christ’s love and truth, and as such, Christians must be exceptionally watchful about what they say about others.

The Power of Words

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21 KJV

This verse encapsulates the profound effect words can have. They can build up or tear down, encourage or dishearten, heal or wound. For Christians, who are called to be Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), the way we speak about others must reflect the grace and truth of Jesus. Careless words can not only harm relationships but also damage the witness of the gospel.

The Call to Guard Our Speech

James 1:26 offers a stern warning:

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
James 1:26 KJV

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
James 1:26 ESV

Here, the Apostle James underscores the importance of controlling our speech as a measure of genuine faith. Christians are instructed to avoid gossip, slander, and negative speech about others. Instead, our words should be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), edifying those who hear them.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, modeled impeccable speech. He spoke the truth, but always with love and compassion, even when addressing sin. When confronted with a woman caught in adultery.

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:1-11 KJV

He did not join in condemning her but instead offered her forgiveness and a call to repentance. This balance of truth and grace should guide Christians in how they speak about others. Criticism should be constructive, aiming to restore rather than destroy, and always delivered in love.

The Dangers of Gossip and Slander

Gossip and slander are particularly dangerous forms of speech, often born out of a desire to elevate oneself at the expense of another. The Bible condemns such behavior, warning that it can lead to division within the body of Christ.

A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
Proverbs 16:28 NKJV

Christians must resist the temptation to engage in or listen to gossip, recognizing the harm it can cause not only to individuals but to the entire community.

Speaking with Love and Integrity

Ephesians 4:29 admonishes believers:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 KJV

This verse encapsulates the Christian approach to speech: it should be wholesome, constructive, and beneficial. When speaking about others, Christians must ensure that their words reflect love, integrity, and a desire for the well-being of others.

Accountability and Reflection

Christians must also be willing to hold themselves and others accountable for their speech. This requires regular reflection on the motives behind our words and a willingness to repent when we fall short.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36 KJV

Understanding this should instill a sense of reverence and caution in how we speak about others.

Conclusion

In a culture where words are often spoken hastily and thoughtlessly, Christians are called to a higher standard. The words we speak about others have the power to either reflect Christ’s love or tarnish our witness. By being vigilant in our speech, guarding against gossip, and speaking with love and integrity, we can ensure that our words align with our faith. Let us strive to be watchful, understanding the profound impact our words can have, and use them to build up rather than tear down, to bless rather than curse, and to reflect the love of Christ in all we say.

The Christian Must Be Very Watchful About What He Says About Others