Speech Can Kill

 By Pastor Benjamin Glaser - Posted at Thoughts From Parson Farms:

How Words Should Be Used to Build Up and Not Bring Harm

Good Morning!

There is little doubt in my mind that no commandment is more under-understood than the Sixth. Partly that is from our limiting what it means because of how much of what is required steps on a number of our toes. If we can make it just about wanton murder that lowers the chances we could be doing something that might break it. I’ve said before that God has ordered His law in such a way that as the statutes are unfolded each one builds upon the one that came before. There is a logic as to why the call to Honor Father and Mother is listed at number five and thou shalt not kill is at six. It is the interest of the Lord to see His people built up in faith, and as the Apostle’s presentation of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 is proposed in a natural way to rightly gird oneself in spiritual protection so to are the words of Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. They are given to entrust the Christian with the means by which to know not only what Jehovah requires, but why it is good for us.

Here are today’s Q/A’s from the WLC:

Q. 134: Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

Q. 135: What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defence thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physick, sleep, labour, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.

In the commentary on the duties towards equals (same could be said about superiors and inferiors) in the Fifth we heard the Catechism explain that we are to seek the best for our neighbor, even if it comes at our own expense. As you read Q.135 above you will see that this comes into play in this commandment by including not only an encouragement to make sure your neighbor stays physically alive, but that you use your speech to bring a helpful word to their overall being rather than seek to destroy or belittle via dishonoring talk. It is also a feature of the call to obedience that compassion and meekness mark the believer in their treatment of others. What does that have to do with not murdering people? Well, take a moment to remember what Jesus says in the Sermon On the Mount.

Continue here.