Psalms 15:1-3  LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue,  who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.

Psalms 15:1-3  LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue,  who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.

            It is important to grasp the meaning of the word “slander” to fully understand scriptural instructions applicable to this destructive behavior. For the purpose of these devotions slander means “to dishonor, disgrace, humiliate, shame, or ruin someone’s reputation through  words, and/or gestures including  “put downs.”  For those who want an “official definition,” www.dictionary.com defines it “defamation by oral utterance.” And www.biblegateway.com  cross references “slander” with “backbiting, gossip, railing, speaking evil, talebearer, whisperer, deceivers, and liars.”   

Unfortunately, much of the comedy and entertainment in today’s society hinges on slander or slurs.  Americans, even children, mimic these comedians by repeating their sarcastic, cutting remarks at the expense of hurting others.  Our “cuteness” and twist of words are cutting deep into the significance of those at work, at school and at home leaving wounds and scars that linger for an entire lifetime. 

            In times past, cutting words were used only against those we disdained and wanted to dishonor.  In modern society, we expect even our youngest and most sensitive children to be “tough enough” to take it.  Comedians and class clowns take pride in their ability to “crack a joke” using someone as the object of that joke.  The “life” of the party is usually the most slanderous of the crowd.  He is the guy who can point out every flaw, twist every statement, and relate every gesture to some underlying meaning.  The entire group accepts him as “adorable” and acceptable while we hide our secret pain when he turns the joke on us.  We feel ashamed if we let it hurt our feelings.  We don’t want to appear immature or weak.

            At the risk of sounding stiff and “out of the flow,” I propose that this “jesting” is nothing more than rudeness!  Why has our society decided that this rudeness is acceptable and cute?  Psalms 15 makes it clear that those who seek to dwell in God’s sanctuary (His Secret Place) will not slander his brother.  He will be sensitive to his brother’s emotional needs and would never risk hurting him by using him as part of a joke.  I wonder if we, without realizing it, have taken a detour to follow the path of those on the broad road.  Slander does destroy.  Think about it.  Emotional wounds heal slowly.  The pain can last a lifetime. Too many people are laughing on the outside and crying on the inside.

Dear God, Forgive me for accepting the world’s perspective on put-downs and slams.  Help me to realize the power of words as I teach and work with the students, staff, and parents of my school.  Let my words be full of grace and life.