Larry Reynolds, Denton, TX

Colossians 1:8b-9a - "...slander and abusive speech from your mouth.  Do not lie to one anaother..."

Words are powerful. They have power to bless or to curse, to build up or tear down, to make people happy or sad, and to add to life or subtract from life. In these verses three specific sins of speech are listed. 

1. “slander” (v.8) - The Greek word is “blasphemia” from which our word blasphemy comes. Such speech can be directed toward God or people. In Scripture when blasphemia is used to describe speech directed toward God the word is often translated blasphemy.  When blasphemia is used to describe speech directed toward people, the word is normally translated slander as in Colossians 3:8. The word basically means to make abusive, insulting, hurtful comments to or about another person. It is interesting that in verse 8 “slander” is listed immediately after “malice.” If we carry in our hearts a deep-seated ill will toward some other person, we will find every opportunity to use our words to tear that person down. One result of a malicious spirit is slanderous talk.  
2. “abusive speech” - That phrase refers to obscene speech, filthy speech, language that we would characterize as gutter language. The proliferation of such language via the media, especially the movie media, has led many people to believe that “talking dirty” is an acceptable normal way to behave.  It is not! We need to understand that how we talk as Christians is a reflection on the Lord to Whom we claim allegiance. Foul language should not be part of our vocabularies.
3. “do not lie” - Unfortunately, lying has become a part of the fabric of our nation. We have been conditioned to expect people to lie to us. As a matter of fact, in our culture, those who are skilled at lying, who can lie and get away with it are generally rewarded and not punished. It is interesting that Paul devotes an entire verse to lying. I think Paul emphasizes this one vice over the others because of the great harm lying can do.