The Beatitudes - Lesson 1: Introduction to the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Beatitudes

Matthew 4:23-25; 5:1-12 [23] Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. [24] The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. [25] Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

[1] Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. [2] He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the gentle [or meek], for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

BEATITUDE

BEAT'ITUDE, n. [L. beatitudo, from beatus, beo. See Beatify.] 1. Blessedness; felicity of the highest kind; consummate bliss; used of the joys of heaven. 2. The declaration of blessedness made by our Savior to particular virtues.

"beatitude." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/beatitude (19 April 2014).

The main points for this lesson:

Introduce. The goal of this lesson is to introduce the words of Jesus often referred to as “The Beatitudes” found in Matthew 5:3-12, and some thoughts related to the whole. The goal of this lesson is not to explain in detail the meaning of each individual beatitude. (For a concise and simple explanation of the meaning of the eight beatitudes, I encourage you to read Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Matthew 5:3-12 at the bottom of this lesson.)

Beatitude. Jesus sat down on a mountain and spoke with his disciples. What he spoke on that occasion is found in Matthew 5-7 and is often called “The Sermon on the Mount.” The first thing Jesus spoke in this “sermon” is the “beatitudes.” (Some people count eight and others count nine beatitudes. For these lessons we will count eight.) The word beatitude comes from a Latin word that means happy or blessed. In these verses, Jesus tells us the way to be truly happy or blessed. The pleasures of the world are passing. God's happiness is lasting.

Happy – Who. Each beatitude shows us what kind of person will be happy (for example, a person who mourns, or a person who is pure in heart). We can choose what kind of person we want to be (we must choose to be peacemakers, or to be a meek person). This is true even for the eighth beatitude. While we cannot make someone persecute us, we can choose to live righteously or unrighteously, and we can also choose to continue or stop doing right when persecution comes.

Happy – Why. Each beatitude tells us why such a person will be happy. Those who mourn are happy or blessed because they will be comforted. The pure in heart are happy or blessed because they will see God. For all of these promised blessings, the world offers a substitute. Jesus offers an eternal kingdom to those who forsake riches for a life of lowly and humble obedience. The world offers happiness in an earthly kingdom to those who pursue wealth and rank in this life. Adam and Eve were the first of mankind to seek happiness in the earthly substitutes. They did not find what they were looking for.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Begin by explaining what the beatitudes are and where they come from.

Talk about being happy, and what it means. Ask the children what they think are ways to be happy.

Read the beatitudes with the verses that lead up to them (Matthew 4:23 – 5:12). As you read through them, you could ask the children for each one, “what kind of person will be happy?” and “why will this person be happy or blessed?”

Based on the beatitudes, ask the children what are ways Jesus said to be happy.

Talk with the children about choosing to be the type of people mentioned in these verses. Hoping I have not made it too simple, I offer this illustration. Choosing to be the type of person who is happy or blessed in these verses is like choosing to play the piano. It is a choice you make at the beginning, and then it is an ongoing choice. You must choose to continue taking the lessons, and you must choose to practice between lessons. The initial choice and then the daily choices eventually lead a person to be able to play the piano well. In a similar way, we must choose to be meek initially. Then, we must choose to listen to God as he teaches us what meekness means, and we must choose to practice being meek in our daily life. Over time, by God's grace, we will become more and more meek.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Read the beatitudes with the verses that lead up to them (Matthew 4:23 – 5:12).

More Stories and Examples:

This lesson contains no additional stories or examples.

Other Verses:

Luke 6:20-26 [20] He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. [21] Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. [22] Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. [23] Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. [24] “But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. [25] Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. [26] Woe, when men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.

Psalm 128:1-6 [1] Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways. [2] For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you. [3] Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table. [4] Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh. [5] May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. [6] Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel.

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Matthew 5:3-12

3-12 Our Saviour here gives eight characters of blessed people, which represent to us the principal graces of a Christian. 1. The poor in spirit are happy. These bring their minds to their condition, when it is a low condition. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of such; the kingdom of glory is for them. 2. Those that mourn are happy. That godly sorrow which worketh true repentance, watchfulness, a humble mind, and continual dependence for acceptance on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, with constant seeking the Holy Spirit, to cleanse away the remaining evil, seems here to be intended. Heaven is the joy of our Lord; a mountain of joy, to which our way is through a vale of tears. Such mourners shall be comforted by their God. 3. The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of anything else. These meek ones are happy, even in this world. Meekness promotes wealth, comfort, and safety, even in this world. 4. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are happy. Righteousness is here put for all spiritual blessings. These are purchased for us by the righteousness of Christ, confirmed by the faithfulness of God. Our desires of spiritual blessings must be earnest. Though all desires for grace are not grace, yet such a desire as this, is a desire of God's own raising, and he will not forsake the work of his own hands. 5. The merciful are happy. We must not only bear our own afflictions patiently, but we must do all we can to help those who are in misery. We must have compassion on the souls of others, and help them; pity those who are in sin, and seek to snatch them as brands out of the burning. 6. The pure in heart are happy; for they shall see God. Here holiness and happiness are fully described and put together. The heart must be purified by faith, and kept for God. Create in me such a clean heart, O God. None but the pure are capable of seeing God, nor would heaven be happiness to the impure. As God cannot endure to look upon their iniquity, so they cannot look upon his purity. 7. The peace-makers are happy. They love, and desire, and delight in peace; and study to be quiet. They keep the peace that it be not broken, and recover it when it is broken. If the peace-makers are blessed, woe to the peace-breakers! 8. Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are happy. This saying is peculiar to Christianity; and it is more largely insisted upon than any of the rest. Yet there is nothing in our sufferings that can merit of God; but God will provide that those who lose for him, though life itself, shall not lose by him in the end. Blessed Jesus! how different are thy maxims from those of men of this world! They call the proud happy, and admire the gay, the rich, the powerful, and the victorious. May we find mercy from the Lord; may we be owned as his children, and inherit his kingdom. With these enjoyments and hopes, we may cheerfully welcome low or painful circumstances.

The Commandments - Resources

The Commandments – Resources

The occasion for writing these lessons was the need for Sunday school lessons for K-5^th grade children of the church. While I hope they have been helpful to those teaching, and to the children learning, my aim goes beyond that goal. My larger hope is that Christian parents will take up more clearly and fully the responsibility given by God to speak with their own children, and teach them these things. For parents taking up that responsibility, I hope these lessons may be of some help and guidance in carrying that out.

I do not present these lessons as the only way or even the best way. Along the way, I found much help. Below are some resources related to the Ten Commandments. These resources are helpful in that some better explain the meaning of the commandments, and some offer ways to teach these things to your children.

Here are two catechisms*. These Catechisms were written and designed to be a simple method of teaching spiritual truths to your children. Martin Luther specifically wrote in The Small Catechism that this is how "the head of the family" should teach these truths to his family. Both Catechisms written below cover much more than the Ten Commandments.

The Small Catechism. Martin Luther. "The Ten Commandments."

"I. The Ten Commandments. As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household. "

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments

First Catechism. The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. #76-108.

This is given in a simple question and answer form. Questions 76 to 108 deal with the Ten Commandments.

http://www.opc.org/cce/FirstCatechism.html

*Catechism 1. A form of instruction by means of questions and answers. 2. A book containing a summary of principles, especially of religious doctrine, reduced to the form of questions and answers. (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary Version published 1913 by the C. & G. Merriam Co. Springfield, Mass. Under the direction of Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D.)

The remainder of the resources below attempt to clarify the meaning and importance of the Ten Commandments.

“The Ten Commandments.” Harvest: Greg Laurie.

This is an easy-to-read article, and may be helpful for those parents trying to better understand the meaning of the commandments so they can then teach them to their children.

http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/new-believer/foundations-for-living/the-ten-commandments.html

“Are the Ten Commandments for Today?” by Voice in the Wilderness Ministries.

This is a collection of quotes about the Ten Commandments. It is worth browsing through.

http://voice-wilderness.org/questions-about-god/are-the-ten-commandments-relevant-today/

“The Perpetuity of the Law of God.” Charles H. Spurgeon. Sermon #1660. Preached 1882.

This sermon gives several reasons for Christians today to value the commandments of God, specifically the Ten Commandments, and the Greatest Commandment.

(At least three sites host this sermon. The links are below.)

http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols28-30/chs1660.pdf

http://www.angelfire.com/va/sovereigngrace/perpetuity.spurgeon.html

http://www.gospelweb.net/SpurgeonMTP28/spursermon1660.htm

Psalm 19:7-14 (WEBBE)

[7] The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple.

[8] The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

[9] The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

[10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

[11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

[12] Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

[13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

[14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer. 

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 13: Conclusion to the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 13: Conclusion to the Ten Commandments

Matthew 22:34-40 [34] But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. [35] One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing him. [36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” [37] Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Exodus 20:1-17 [1] God spoke all these words, saying, [2] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [4] “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [5] you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. [7] “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. [8] “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] You shall labor six days, and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; [11] for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy. [12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. [13] “You shall not murder. [14] “You shall not commit adultery. [15] “You shall not steal. [16] “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [17] “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!

The Main Points for This Lesson:

These commandments are from God. It is not from man, or invented by men. This is God's law (Psalm 51:4). It is his standard.

God gives us these commandments for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24; 10:13) because he loves us (Deuteronomy 5:29). Consider the three ways below that these commandments are given for our good.

One: God's commandments are a mirror to show us who we are (James 1:23), if we are willing to look honestly. One purpose of a mirror is to allow you to see yourself so you can adjust or correct any problems you see, such as your hair, or clothes, or your dirty face. If you use a mirror, you can correct these things before you go out in public. You don't get angry with the mirror if it shows you blemishes. You are glad it can show you those things before you go out looking like that. God's commandments show us our sinful actions and our sinful heart. And so they show us that we need mercy from God. They also show us that we need grace from God, the power that raised Jesus from the dead, to be able to conquer the power of sin in our hearts and lives, and to live in humble obedience to God's commands. Do not arrive at the judgment day having neglected the regular use of this mirror given by God.

Two: God's commandments are the path of freedom. God set the people of Israel free from slavery. Then he gave them the Ten Commandments. As long as they kept them they would remain free. If they didn't obey or keep God's law, they would soon end up in slavery again. It is the same today. Whoever sins is a slave of sin (John 8:34). While we have a part to play, God is the one who sets us free from slavery to sin. If we love him by obeying his commandments, we will remain in and walk in freedom. If we turn from his commandments to love the world, we will soon become slaves of sin again. The book of Judges in the Bible presents the children of Israel as in a cycle. They are freed from slavery and oppression. They walk in their new found freedom for a time. Soon, they return to a life of sin (in various forms, most often in the form of idolatry). As a result of their practice of sin, a once free people are found once again in slavery and oppression.

Three: God's commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3), but lead to life (Matthew 7:14). The world with sin promises an easy and fun life. It tells you that you can live however you want. It is a lie. Disobedience to God's commands brings terrible things into your life and other people's lives, both in this life and the next. If you follow that path, you will reap corruption in this life (Galatians 6:8) and destruction in the next (Matthew 7:13). On the other hand, God does not promise ease, fun and pleasure. He gives commandments. While it is not always easy, when you love and obey God you will find peace, health and healing in this life (Proverbs 3:8,17), and it leads to eternal life in Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13-14; 1 Timothy 4:7-8).

Note: We cannot EARN eternal life by keeping the commandments. We have already earned death by having broken God's good and holy law. Eternal life is a gift from God (Romans 6:23). However, he does not give this gift to anyone for no reason. According to his word, God gives eternal life to those who love him and keep his commandments (Romans 2:6-8). Eternal life is a GIFT. Yet, it is a gift that God chooses to give to good and faithful servants (Matthew 25:14-30).

During the lesson, we talked about the difference between “earn” and “gift.” You have to work for what you earn. A gift is free. When do you get or give gifts? At Christmas and birthdays (that is one condition we have for giving gifts). Do you give gifts to everyone in the world who has a birthday? No. We give them to family and friends (that is another condition we have for giving gifts).

We have earned death by sinning. How is eternal life a gift? We must enter through the narrow gate and walk down the narrow path if we want to reach life. That sounds like work. How is it a gift? According to God's word, no one can ever say that God owes me eternal life. Nor can any of us raise ourselves up from death into eternal life. Yet God gives this gift under certain conditions. Let's remember our statement about giving gifts to family and friends. How can we be the family and friends of God, so that he will be willing to give us the gift of eternal life? In Matthew 12:50, Jesus said that whoever does the will of his father in heaven is his mother and brother and sister. (This is not to negate or ignore verses that speak of believing or receiving. Rather, this presents a larger picture of the nature of that believing and receiving.)

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read through the Greatest Commandment verses (Matthew 22:34-40) and also the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).

As you read through the commandments with the children, briefly talk about the meaning of each commandment. Perhaps ask the children to explain them to you as you read through them. You can also remind the children of the relationship between “the greatest commandment” (love God and love your neighbor) and the ten commandments.

You could also ask the children about any Bible stories they remember related to the commandments from past lessons.

Consider how to integrate the main points with the lessons, whether it may be easier to talk about them before, during or after reading the commandments. I imagine it will be made a little simpler with the younger children.

John 13:17 (see below) may be a good verse to emphasize with the children for this lesson. Even children are content to only know or understand something. While we are trying to help them to know and understand the commandments, the blessing comes if they do them.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Matthew 22:34-40 – The greatest commandment.

Exodus 20:1-17 – The giving of the Ten Commandments.

More Stories and Examples:

Psalm 128:1-6 [1] Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways. [2] For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you. [3] Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table. [4] Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh. [5] May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. [6] Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel.

Other Verse:

Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!

Deuteronomy 6:24-25 [24] Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day. [25] It shall be righteousness to us, if we observe to do all this commandment before Yahweh our God, as he has commanded us.”

Psalm 51:3-4 [3] For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. [4] Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge.

Proverbs 3:13-18 [13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. [14] For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.

Matthew 7:13-14 [13] “Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. [14] How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

Matthew 11:28-30 [28] “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 12:46-50 [46] While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. [47] One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.” [48] But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” [49] He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! [50] For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

John 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

John 15:9-11 [9] Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. [10] If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. [11] I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

1 Corinthians 13:5 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

Galatians 6:7-10 [7] Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 [7] But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. [8] For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

James 1:21-25 [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1 John 5:2-3 [2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. [3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 12: The Tenth Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 12: The Tenth Commandment

Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

COVET

v.t. 1. To wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of; -- used in a good sense.

2. To long for inordinately or unlawfully; to hanker after (something forbidden).

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Ex. xx. 17.

Syn. -- To long for; desire; hanker after; crave.

v.i. To have or indulge inordinate desire.

Which [money] while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith (1 Tim. vi. 10).

“covet.” Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1913.

A Simple Definition of “Covet” for Chilren: To want what someone else has.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

We covet in two ways. We want or desire what belongs to our neighbor, or we want or desire more things of this world.

Coveting has everything to do with the things of this world that are temporal. Whether we are coveting in the sense of wanting what belongs to our neighbor, or coveting in the sense of simply wanting more things of this world, it is all tied up with loving the world and the things in it (1 John 2:15).

We desire many things. It is good to desire good things, such as wanting to be child that is pleasing to God and pleasing to your parents. It is bad to desire bad things (Genesis 3:6), but it is also wrong to desire what may be a good thing but is the possession of someone else. It is okay to want a wife. It is wrong to want your neighbor's wife. When we are young, we covet smaller things around us (ie. toys). As we get older, we covet bigger things. We may covet physical things, such as money and possessions. We may also covet position (Mark 10:35-37), status and influence. Be careful not to let covetousness into your heart. It will grow bigger and bigger.

Coveting leads to other sins. If we covet an ox or donkey, we may steal. If we covet another's wife, we may commit adultery. To love the things of this world (even if I am not coveting someone else's possessions) is to not love God. When we covet, we break other commandments as well, both in our heart and mind, and in our actions.

Instead of coveting, we should be content with what God has given us. We should lay up treasure in heaven instead of treasure on earth. We should also learn to give thanks to God for the blessings he has given us. Above all, we should love our neighbor. Love does not envy, it is not jealous (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love is happy when his neighbor is blessed.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read the story of Achan (Joshua 6:15-19;7:1-26), who coveted what belonged to God of the things of Jericho. Ask the children what Achan did because of his coveting. Ask them about the consequences for Achan for coveting.

If you have time, you can remind the children of the story of Gehazi, who coveted the gold and clothes of Naaman; and remind them of the story of Ahab and Jezebel who coveted Naboth's vineyard.

Read Jesus' words in Luke about covetousness (Luke 12:13-21). Did the rich man take from someone else? (It seems not.) Yet he coveted in that he loved this world and the things of this world. He had treasure on earth, but no treasure in heaven. What happened to this man's treasures? What will God say to him at the judgment?

Talk to the children about things they may covet. The younger are likely to covet toys in some form or another. This is seen in the way they play together and how one may attempt to get another's toy. The older children may covet more subtly, but likely covet nonetheless. Ask them about wanting what a friend may have. Also ask them about treasure on earth and treasure in heaven. What do they think it looks like (for them) to lay up treasure on earth, and what does it look like to lay up treasure in heaven?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Joshua 6:15-19;7:1-26 – the story of Achan. “When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. Behold, they are hidden in the ground in the middle of my tent, with the silver under it” (Joshua 7:21).

All that was in Jericho was devoted to God. When the children of Israel defeated Jericho, they were to keep none of the plunder for themselves, for Joshua said it all belonged to God. Achan coveted the things he saw. He wanted what belonged to God. He wanted the treasures of this earth. Achan allowed this coveting into his heart, and so he secretly took what did not belong to him. The end of this was death (Romans 6:21).

Luke 12:13-21 [13] One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” [14] But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” [15] He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” [16] He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. [17] He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ [18] He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’ [20] “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

The rich man does not appear to be coveting what belongs to someone else. How is he coveting? He is coveting in the sense of loving the treasures of earth. He laid up treasure on earth, but did not lay up treasure in heaven. We must be careful to value the eternal, heavenly things far above the things of this world. This will be shown by how we live in this world.

Genesis 3:1-8 [1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?’” [2] The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, [3] but not the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, ‘You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” [4] The serpent said to the woman, “You won’t surely die, [5] for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too. [7] Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves. [8] They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.

The serpent led Eve to covet what was forbidden by God. The inward coveting led to outward disobedience. So sin entered the world, and through sin, death.

More Stories and Examples:

2 Kings 5:14-27 [14] Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. [15] He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” [16] But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. [17] Naaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ burden of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to Yahweh. [18] In this thing may Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.” [19] He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way.

[20] But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.” [21] So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” [22] He said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” [23] Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him. [24] When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed. [25] But he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you come from, Gehazi?” He said, “Your servant went nowhere.” [26] He said to him, “Didn’t my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants? [27] Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your seed forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

Hebrews 13:5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”

Other Verses:

Psalm 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.

Psalm 119:36 [KJV] Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

Matthew 6:19-21 [19] “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; [21] for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Mark 10:35-37 [35] James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.” [36] He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” [37] They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory.”

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 [16] Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; [18] while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. [8] But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [11] But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

1 John 2:15-17 [15] Don’t love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. [17] The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.

COVETOUSNESS AND IDOLATRY

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.

Ephesians 5:5-10 [5] Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. [7] Therefore don’t be partakers with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, [9] for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, [10] proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.

Colossians 3:1-6 [1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; [6] for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

The apostle Paul taught that covetousness is idolatry, and a covetous man is an idolater. When we covet, we are serving another god, an idol. The serpent in the garden tempted Eve to covet, and in coveting, Eve was serving, or worshiping, another god, an idol. The rich man of Luke 12:13-21, in his covetousness, was serving the idol of mammon, or earthly possessions. The idolatry of coveting may or may not involve a physical statue, yet it will involve obedience and service to something or someone less than God and disobedience to God. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 11: The Ninth Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 11: The Ninth Commandment

Exodus 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

This commandment is not simply about telling lies. It refers more specifically to what we say about or against our neighbor.

Bearing false witness takes on many forms: Lying before a judge and court (or more simply to someone in authority) about someone (Proverbs 14:5); Spreading gossip about others (1 Timothy 5:13); Flattering others (Proverbs 26:28; 29:5); Purposefully allowing others to believe what is false by our own silence, or by not giving the whole story; Etc.

Sometimes someone may say or do something that hurts us, and we may be tempted to talk about how bad this person is to others. However, even speaking what is true about a neighbor can (at times) be wrong. If they have wronged us, or if they have sinned, Jesus tells us to go first to that person and speak with them directly (Matthew 18:15-17). If that doesn't work out, then we should ask someone in authority to help with the situation. It is not okay to just talk about the person and what they did to other people (James 4:11-12). When we do that, without first having followed the steps Jesus taught us, we bear false witness about this person. For when we talk about them to others, we are implying that we have already gone to them to work out the problem or sin, and they were totally unwilling to work it out, or to repent. And so we bear false witness against our neighbor.

The sin of bearing false witness comes out of our own heart (Matthew 15:18-20). Many things could be in our heart that lead us to bear false witness against our neighbor: Anger toward someone who hurt us; Revenge; Greed, or a desire to get what someone else has; A desire to be popular (so we gossip about some to impress others); Carelessness or thoughtlessness (so we say true or false things about others without thinking of the consequences to anyone); Etc. If we allow this sin to become a habit, it will grow deep roots within us, and become very hard to remove.

Instead of bearing false witness against our neighbor, we should speak the truth to our neighbor (Ephesians 4:25); We should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not in hate, anger or malice; We should not let unwholesome words come out of our mouth, but speak words that are good and helpful to others (Ephesians 4:29). We should speak to and about others as we want others to speak to and about us.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read the story of Ahab & Jezebel and Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-19). Ask the children how this commandment was broken, who broke it and why it was broken. What happened to Naboth as a result? Why was God angry with Ahab (v19) if Jezebel is the one who arranged everything?

Read the story of Jesus before the chief priests (Matthew 26:59-61). Ask the children how they would respond if they were treated as Jesus was? How do they think Jesus responded. Read the verses in Isaiah 53:7 and 1 Peter 2:23 and talk about how Jesus did respond and why.

Most children will never stand in a legal court before a judge, but most children will stand before their parents or a teacher at some time and have to explain a situation. Will they speak the truth as they explain what happened, or will they try to make themselves seem better and the other person involved (perhaps their brother or sister) seem worse? Talk with them about this.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

1 Kings 21:1-19 [1] After these things, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. [2] Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money.” [3] Naboth said to Ahab, “May Yahweh forbid me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!” [4] Ahab came into his house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He laid himself down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. [5] But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?” [6] He said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it pleases you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ He answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” [7] Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be merry. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” [8] So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in his city, who lived with Naboth. [9] She wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. [10] Set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and stone him to death.” [11] The men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, according as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them. [12] They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. [13] The two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him. The base fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king!” Then they carried him out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones. [14] Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned, and is dead.” [15] When Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” [16] When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. [17] Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [18] “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to take possession of it. [19] You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick your blood, even yours.”’”

Matthew 26:59-61 [59] Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death; [60] and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward, [61] and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”

Through this unfair trial, Jesus held his peace (Matthew 26:63). He entrusted himself to God, and so did not respond with lie for lie, or slander for slander. Trusting in his Father in heaven, he could be at peace and hold his peace.

Acts 6:8-15;7:1,51-60 [8] Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. [9] But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. [10] They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. [11] Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” [12] They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council, [13] and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. [14] For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” [15] All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

Chapter 7 [1] The high priest said, “Are these things so?”

[51] “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. [52] Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. [53] You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!” [54] Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” [57] But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. [58] They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” [60] He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 22:15-22 [15] Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. [16] They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you aren’t partial to anyone. [17] Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius. [20] He asked them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” [21] They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” [22] When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

Here is an example of men using flattery to trap Jesus. They cared nothing for the truth, but only desired to rid themselves of Jesus. And so they were willing to use what might even be true to achieve a wicked end. Although Jesus is honest and teaches God's way in truth, these men were not there to bear true witness of their neighbor (in this case, Jesus), but were there to harm their neighbor. Have they not then broken this commandment, in that they are attempting to use words to overthrow their neighbor.

Deuteronomy 22:13-19 [13] If any man takes a wife, and goes in to her, hates her, [14] accuses her of shameful things, and gives her a bad name, and says, “I took this woman, and when I came near to her, I didn’t find in her the tokens of virginity”; [15] then the young lady’s father and mother shall take and bring the tokens of the young lady’s virginity to the elders of the city in the gate. [16] The young lady’s father shall tell the elders, “I gave my daughter to this man as his wife, and he hates her. [17] Behold, he has accused her of shameful things, saying, ‘I didn’t find in your daughter the tokens of virginity;’ and yet these are the tokens of my daughter’s virginity.” They shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. [18] The elders of that city shall take the man and chastise him. [19] They shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver, and give them to the father of the young lady, because he has given a bad name to a virgin of Israel. She shall be his wife. He may not put her away all his days.

This story may not be appropriate for K-5^th grade classes.

Other Verses:

SLANDER

Psalm 15:1-5 [1] Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill? [2] He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart; [3] He who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man; [4] In whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change; [5] he who doesn’t lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.

Psalm 101:1-8 [1] I will sing of loving kindness and justice. To you, Yahweh, I will sing praises. [2] I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart. [3] I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will not cling to me. [4] A perverse heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil. [5] I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is haughty and conceited. [6] My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in a perfect way, he will serve me. [7] He who practices deceit won’t dwell within my house. He who speaks falsehood won’t be established before my eyes. [8] Morning by morning, I will destroy all the wicked of the land; to cut off all the workers of iniquity from Yahweh’s city.

Proverbs 6:16-19 [16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.

Proverbs 14:5 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.

Ephesians 4:31-32 [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

GOSSIP

Proverbs 11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.

Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

Proverbs 26:20-28 [20] For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. [21] As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife. [22] The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts. [23] Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart. [24] A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart. [25] When his speech is charming, don’t believe him; for there are seven abominations in his heart. [26] His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. [27] Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him. [28] A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

1 Timothy 5:13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

FLATTERY

Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Romans 16:17-18 [17] Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. [18] For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-7 [3] For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. [4] But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. [5] For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), [6] nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. [7] But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

GO TO YOUR BROTHER FIRST

Matthew 18:15-17 [15] “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. [16] But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.

Luke 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.

Leviticus 19:15-18 [15] “‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness. [16] “‘You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people. “‘You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh. [17] “‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. [18] “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

We are told to go to someone who sins and speak directly with them about their sin. When we are unwilling to do that, anger may grow in our heart and turn into hate. The words which should have been spoken in love to our brother or neighbor who sinned, become words of anger or malice spoken to others. Thus, we are guilty of sin.

James 4:11-12 [11] Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. [12] Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

OUT OF THE HEART

Matthew 15:18-20 [18] But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. [19] For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. [20] These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man.”

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

EXAMPLE OF JESUS

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn’t open his mouth.

1 Peter 2:21-23 [21] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, [22] who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” [23] Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;