• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Oh be careful little mouth what you say

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

Posted on December 29, 2015 Written by Mark McIntyre 1 Comment


Use your mouth wiselyCan we be honest and admit that sometimes it seems to be a chore to read through the regulations in the opening books of the Bible. But every once in a while (perhaps less often than it should) I find a connection that makes the reading seem worth while. For example, this morning I read this:

“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” (Exodus 23:1-3)

As I read these verses I thought of how easily I can “follow the masses” in esposing an opinion on something that I have not researched myself. We must keep in mind that every news organization has an agenda. That agenda may be nothing more sinister than selling papers or gaining ratings. Some news outlets try harder than others to be fair, but we cannot assume that anyone is completely neutral in what they present.

Too many times we have found out that those who were thought to be trustworthy have been intentionally deceptive. In the internet age, when anyone can post information on line, it is sometimes even more difficult to separate truth from fiction. The difficulty does not relieve us of the responsibility to determine what is true and what is not.

I am not seeking to engender distrust of any person or news organization. My point is that we should be careful in what we repeat and proclaim as true.

It is too easy to take that juicy bit of “news” about a politician or celebrity that I don’t like or don’t agree with and use that “news” as further reason to not like or not trust him. Before it is repeated, I need to confirm that it is true and also confirm that it is necessary or helpful to the discussion at hand.

Christians should have no part in character assasination.

I am reminded of the lyrings from the children’s song, “oh be careful little mouth what you say.” It turns out that it was good advice.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Miles Stanford

Miles Stanford on Appropriating Blessing

Too often we try to earn God’s blessing when it has already been granted. Miles Stanford warns leaders against laying conditions for blessing on the church.

Blue Spruce Seedling

Growth in trees or believers

The Observation I walked through our yard yesterday to check out the 25 Colorado Blue Spruce trees I planted a few weeks ago. They were bare root seedlings similar to what is shown in the picture to the left. I was looking at the trees to see if I could observe any growth. Bare root […]

Standard Theme

A new theme for Attempts at Honesty Christian Blog

Because an increasing percentage of traffic is coming from mobile devices, it was necessary to find a theme that better responds to mobile users.

Daniel Praying

A prayer for today

We can learn a lesson from Daniel’s prayer. Daniel earnestly interceded on behalf of his people and asked God to intervene and do something about it. God has responded in a most amazing way by sending Jesus.

Clouds

Longing for a home I’ve never seen

There is a sense that the world is not quite right. In response, we have a longing for something better. We long for a home we’ve never seen.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
July 2025
SMTWTFS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031 
« Jun    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2025 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in