Communicating Ethically

I recently had to write a paper for a communications course on " A Scriptural Foundation for Communication Ethics." I thought I would share it with my readers. I had to repent a few times as I wrote the paper.

God Bless,

Sullivan

Perhaps no area is more important to the cause of ethics than how we use our words. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15.4 (KJV) that the wholesome tongue is a tree of life. It also tells us in James 3.8 that the tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison (NIV). Our words have the ability to give life and bring death. With such a power given to us, it is no wonder that Jesus said we would give account to God for every idle word spoken (Matthew 12.36, KJV). Psalm 45.1 says that my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Whether written or spoken, my words should be used ethically.

Most everyone is familiar with the scriptural admonition against lying (Exodus 20.16, Mark 10.19, KJV). However, there is more to being ethical with our words than refraining from lies. Many people who would not tell an outright lie think nothing of sharing some “harmless” gossip. Proverbs 26:22 (KJV) tell us that he words of a talebearer are like deep wounds that go down into the spirit. I am convinced that we would be far more ethical with the things we share if we fully understood the ramifications of breaking a confidence. In fact, gossip is listed among the seven things that God hates most in Proverbs chapter six (KJV).

We should also be careful to use ethics when giving information especially in public speaking. For the minister of the gospel, this is especially important. I have seen pastors use examples that were quickly discredited with something as simple as snopes.com. When it was discovered that the “fact” was false, the entire sermon was discredited, leaving his listeners to doubt everything he said. The Pastor (or Sunday School teachers) is dealing with the eternity of the soul and should do his best to make sure that what he says from the pulpit holds up under scrutiny.

Recently, I saw a televangelist holding up a bottle that supposedly contained water from the Jordan River. For a hundred dollars he promised his listeners a bottle of this “miracle” water that would cure any disease. Micah 3.11 pronounces a curse on those who prophesy for money (KJV). Surely, this was not God’s intention when he said to pray for the sick (James 5:15, KJV).

With our words we will be justified and with our words we will be condemned, according to Matthew 12.32 (KJV). Our words have been given to us so that we may build relationships, praise God, and, most of all, proclaim the gospel. Surely, there is no area where ethics is more needed than in communication. Let’s be Christ like with our words. The world is watching us!