What does the Bible say about tattoos, ink, or markings on the body?
The Bible does indeed specifically mention bodily markings of what we call “tattoos” today. This verse occurs in Leviticus 19:28:
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”
Let us consider several points the Bible teaches:
God’s word says that Christians should not emulate this world, but that we should be separate:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Corinthians 6:17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
Are tattoos something “worldly?” Are tattoos something you associate with holy people, or other types of people? Could a person look at you and consider you different from the world, just based on your physical attributes alone? Do you think the average tattoo artist is on fire for Jesus Christ? Do most people covered in tattoos from head to toe honor Christ? Or would you suspect that the most Godly or holy people of the world probably don’t have a tattoo (or would discourage them)? What message will tattoos send to others in the body of Christ?
God’s word says that we should be a source of light and holiness to others:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
Are tattoos reflective of God’s love and light? Are tattoos a good deed you can share with others?
God’s word says that if something we do causes offense to other Christians (our “brothers” or “sisters”), we should never do such an activity, even though we are under grace:
If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15)
Many Christians consider tattoos to be a “worldly” or “sinful” behavior. Some may get distressed or confused by the act of a Christian getting tattoos. Are you acting in obedience to God’s word if you get a tattoo, which may cause a brother or sister to be distressed? The verse above is in reference to eating. Paul warns to not even drink or eat something if it will distress a brother, even though we all clearly have the right to do so. If this is true, how much more could a permanent tattoo distress someone than the eating of meat?
God’s word says that we do not own our bodies, Christ does. Your body is to be a living sacrifice to God. Your body is a temple in which God’s spirit dwells. Your body belongs to Christ, because He purchased it with His blood.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
If you are a Christian concerned with God’s will for your life, you should really pray to God and seek His will, and soak up what His words above say. God owns your body. As a Christian, you are to die to self and live for Christ. You are to walk not according to the flesh, but the spirit.
Although I have family members with tattoos, brothers in Christ with tattoos, and so forth, I’d never dare get a tattoo now. Why? The scriptures above speak to me. I don’t want to displease God, or be a bad witness to others.
Practical Reasons to Avoid Getting a Tattoo as a Christian
Aside from scriptural commands, there are other really great reasons not to get a permanent tattoo. Here are some things to consider before getting inked:
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First, they typically aren’t free, and in fact, can be quite expensive. So saving a potential $50-300 is always a great reason not to do something. You could give that money to the poor, buy yourself something nice, or loads of other things.
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You might catch a disease. Even though tattoo practices are much cleaner these days, there are still cases of diseases being transmitted from unclean needles every year. This is a serious risk. You wouldn’t want to go in and get a tattoo and AIDS, hepatitis C, or some other terrible disease would you? Sadly, this happens each year.
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Jesus Nor Other Prophets Did it–We have no accounts of Jesus, any prophets, disciples, apostles, or anyone else getting inked. We are supposed to follow Christ and the prophets are we not? Is Jesus your example? Do you really think Jesus Christ would have gotten a tattoo? Seriously, think about it for a minute. Do you think Jesus would sit down in a tattoo parlor and get barbed wire around his arm? Folks, you are supposed to follow Christ. Think about Christ.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)
Conclusion: Are Tattoos a Sin or Not? Should Christians Get Tattoos?
The Bible makes it clear that God did not like the tattoo practices of the pagans, and He forbids the Israelites to get them. Christians are called to be separate from the world, to be a Christ-like example in society, to be meek and humble, to love one another, and to honor God with our bodies and activities. There is no positive benefit that comes from tattoos, and it is not only engaging in worldly sin, but there are other negative things that can arise (such as disease, pain, costs, etc.).
God’s word is clear on how Christians should conduct themselves, and that includes things like apparel, tattoos, and so forth. We are called to be holy, to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9), to be a better example to the world, and not to fit in with the world. Yes, we do have freedom in Christ, and we are under grace and not some set of laws. But God still has standards, and we are exhorted numerous times in the New Testament to conduct ourselves in a Godly way.
Lastly, Christians should be cautious of judging others who are new to the faith, which may have gotten tattoos previously. We have all sinned and have all done things we regret.
Have you tattooed Christ in your heart? Have you trusted Him as your savior yet? If not, then I urge you to repent and place your faith and trust in Christ today, and receive forgiveness of your sins. God loves you so much, that He sent His only Begotten Son to die for you and for me.
Bible verses about tattoos
.1. Leviticus 19:28 .You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.
Honor God with your body.
This is God’s body not ours. You are going to have to give it back. Don’t think He’s going to be pleased with Bible verse tattoos. Imagine if I let you borrow my car and you brought it back with scratches all over it because you thought I would be OK with it. I will be angry.
Are we to alter God’s image? Some people are going to say, “1 Corinthians 6 was referring to sexual immorality,” but the principal still applies. Glorify God with your body. Do not defile God’s temple with tattoos. The disciples and early Christians knew how to honor God. Never did we hear about one of them getting a tattoo.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
3. Romans 12:1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
Tattoos have roots in witchcraft, paganism, demonism, mysticism, and more. Never has tattoos ever been associated with God’s children until the 21st century of course. Let’s be honest. As the world and demonic activity started to get into the church so did tattoos.
5. 1 Kings 18:28 and they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s Table, and of the table of devils.
Many people get tattoo to honor God.
What does God say? He says He does not want to be honored in the same way the world honors their idols. He does not want to be worshiped in the same way. God is not like us. Just because the world is changing and the culture is different does not mean God’s ways and desires are changing.
7. Deuteronomy 12:4 “Do not worship the LORD your Godin the way these pagan peoples worship their gods.”
8. Leviticus 20:23 “You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.”
9. Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
10. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
11. 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.
12. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
13. Ephesians 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
14. 1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.
Did Jesus have a tattoo on His thigh?
There are many people who think that Jesus had a tattoo, which is not true. Jesus would not have disobeyed God’s Word in Leviticus. Nowhere in the Bible did it say Jesus got a tattoo or any disciples getting one. This passage was being symbolic. In those times a king would have his title engraved on his garment or he could have had a banner that said, “King Of Kings.”
15. Revelation 19:16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
16. Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Do you have doubts?
Be honest with yourself. If you’re having doubts and you’re constantly fighting with should you do it or should you not do it, then it’s a good idea to stay away from it. If you are having doubts about something and you think it’s wrong, but you do it anyway then that is a sin. Do you have a clear conscience before God or is something saying don’t do it?
17. Romans 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
18. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
19. John 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
20. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
21. Proverbs 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
22. Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
23. Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
You don’t want to cause your brother to stumble.
There are many people who believe tattoos are sinful and by getting one it can lead those weak in the faith to get one even though their hearts are condemned. It can also offend others. Think about the youth. Love thinks about others. Love makes sacrifices.
24. Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
25. 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your’s become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.
beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak…
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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Question: "What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Is homosexuality a sin?"
Answer: The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22;20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When people continue in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that people become homosexuals because of sin (Romans 1:24-27) and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as some people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person’s choosing to sin by giving in to sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger/rage, does that make it right for him to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true with homosexuality.
However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13).
Question: "What does the Bible say about being a lesbian?
Answer: Some are under the assumption that, while the Bible condemns gay sex between men, it nowhere condemns being a lesbian/lesbianism. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 mention men having sex with other men, but say nothing of women having sex with other women. In the Sodom and Gomorrah account in Genesis 19, the men of the cities wanted to gang rape other men. First Corinthians 6:9 mentions effeminate men, very likely referring to homosexuals, but does not mention lesbians.
So, does the Bible in fact condemn male homosexuality, but not lesbianism?
Romans 1:26-27 puts this invalid assumption to rest: “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Clearly, this passage puts lesbianism on equal ground with male homosexuality. Lesbianism is described as women exchanging natural relations (with men) for unnatural relations (with women). According to the Bible, being a lesbian is just as sinful as being a homosexual male.
There’s an implication in Romans 1:26 that lesbianism is even worse than male homosexuality. Notice the phrase “even their women.” The text seems to suggest that it is more common for men to engage in sexual depravity, and when women begin to do it, that is a sign things are getting really bad. Men usually have much stronger sex drives than women, and so are more prone to sexual deviancy. When women commit unnatural sexual acts, then the degree of immorality has truly become shameful. Lesbianism is evidence of people being given over to “the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another” (Romans 1:24).
Question: "What does the New Testament say about homosexuality?"
Answer: The Bible is consistent through both Old and New Testaments in confirming that homosexuality is sin (Genesis 19:1–13; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Jude 1:7). In this matter, the New Testament reinforces what the Old Testament had declared since the Law was given to Moses (Leviticus 20:13). The difference between the Old and New Testaments is that the New Testament offers hope and restoration to those caught up in the sin of homosexuality through the redeeming power of Jesus. It is the same hope that is offered to anyone who chooses to accept it (John 1:12; 3:16–18).
God’s standards of holiness did not change with the coming of Jesus, because God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). The New Testament is a continuing revelation of God’s interaction with humanity. God hated idolatry in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 5:8), and He still hates it in the New (1 John 5:21).
What was immoral in the Old Testament is still immoral in the New.
The New Testament says that homosexuality is a “shameful lust” (Romans 1:26), a “shameful act,” an abandonment of “natural relations” (Romans 1:27), a “wrongdoing” (1 Corinthians 6:9), and “sexual immorality and perversion” (Jude 1:7). Homosexuality carries a “due penalty” (Romans 1:27), “is contrary to the sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10), and is listed among the sins that bar people from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Despite the attempts of some to downplay these verses, the Bible could not be clearer that homosexuality is a sin against God.
Homosexuality is not the cause of a society’s decline, but it is a symptom of it; it is the result of people making themselves the final authorities. Romans 1 gives the natural digression of a society that has chosen idolatry and sinful pleasure instead of obedience to God. The downward spiral begins with denying that God has absolute authority over His creation (Romans 1:21–23).
The result of a society’s rejection of God’s rule in their lives is that God gives “them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:24–25). Verses 26 and 27 say, “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” The phrase “God gave them over” means that when we insist on shaking our fists at God, He finally lets us have the perversion we demand. And that is a judgment in itself. Homosexual behavior is the result of ignoring God and trying to create our own truth. When we defy God’s clear instruction, we reap the “due penalty” of our disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9; Revelation 21:8).
The good news is that homosexuality is not the unpardonable sin. It is forgivable just like greed, theft, and murder are forgivable when we repent and turn to Jesus (Acts 2:38). He provides us with new identities (1 Peter 1:14; Colossians 2:13). Second Corinthians 5:17 says that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Those “old” things include former sins that once held us captive. Whereas we were once defined by our sin, being born again (John 3:3) means we are now defined by Jesus and His righteousness (Colossians 3:3). A thief no longer has to define himself as a thief. He is cleansed from his former ways and made new in Christ. A murderer—such as Saul before he became the apostle Paul—is forgiven and conformed to the image of Christ (Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Romans 8:29). And someone trapped in homosexuality can be set free to walk in purity when he or she agrees with God about sin and trusts His power to forgive and restore.
As has been noted, 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 includes homosexuals in a list of those who will not have a part in God’s kingdom. But verse 11 goes on to say, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” The truth is that some of the saints in the Corinthian church were former homosexuals. God’s kingdom is populated by sinners. No one comes to God on personal merit. We all come the same way: through repentance, renouncing the sin for which Jesus died, and accepting the righteousness of Christ in its place (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The New Testament offers good news for everyone struggling with sexual identity. Jesus wants to replace our sinful lifestyles with His own righteousness so that we become more like Him.
QUESTION: TAMING THE TONGUE-WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT?
Answer: The concept of taming the tongue is found in James 3 where God declares, through the apostle James, that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). The lengthy discussion about the tongue in this chapter is both convicting and illuminating. Among the things this chapter reveals about the tongue: it is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (verse 5); it is a fire and a world of evil that defiles the whole person (verse 6); it is set on fire by hell (verse 6); and it is an unrestrainable evil and full of deadly poison (verse 7). Is it any wonder, then, that God declares that taming the tongue is impossible?
When Adam sinned, God imputed that sin to mankind, so, whether or not we want to believe it, every human being is born with a wicked heart and an evil sin nature (Romans 3:10–18). Lurking within each of us are varying degrees of hatred, bitterness, jealousy, and pride, and the tongue takes hold of these and other destructive tendencies and strikes out, often with a push from Satan. We see this every day among strangers, friends, siblings, and, worst of all, among husbands and wives, the very people who, next to their love for the Lord Jesus, should have the most love for each other (Ephesians 5:22–33).
What is to be done, then, to tame the tongue? If God has declared that “no one” can tame the tongue, how can we even begin to do so? While many people have quit smoking or drinking by the power of the human will, the problem of the heart and tongue cannot be solved by human will power. It takes the power of the resurrected Christ within us to control the tongue, and that power is available only to those who turn their lives over to Him (Romans 8:10–14). As with so many things in life, “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
There is only One who can control the tongue. Only by God’s Spirit living within us can we hope to gain control over our tongues. He convicts us when we sin with our lips, and that conviction drives us to repent and pray for more filling of the Spirit so we can avoid further sin. As we cling to Him and yield to Him in obedience, He controls us more and more, including our tongues.
Question: "What does the Bible say about the power of words?
Answer: Words are not simply sounds caused by air passing through our larynx. Words have real power. God spoke the world into being by the power of His words (Hebrews 11:3), and we are in His image in part because of the power we have with words. Words do more than convey information. The power of our words can actually destroy one’s spirit, even stir up hatred and violence. They not only exacerbate wounds but inflict them directly. Of all the creatures on this planet, only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift from God.Our words have the power to destroy and the power to build up (Proverbs 12:6). The writer of Proverb tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Are we using words to build up people or destroy them? Are they filled with hate or love, bitterness or blessing, complaining or compliments, lust or love, victory or defeat? Like tools they can be used to help us reach our goals or to send us spiraling into a deep depression.
Furthermore, our words not only have the power to bring us death or life in this world, but in the next as well. Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36–37). Words are so important, that we are going to give an account of what we say when we stand before the Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). In this passage, Paul is emphasizing the positive over the negative. The Greek word translated “unwholesome” means “rotten” or “foul.” It originally referred to rotten fruit and vegetables. Being like Christ means we don’t use foul, dirty language. For some reason, many people today think it is macho or liberating to use vulgar humor, dirty jokes, and foul language, but this kind of talk has no place in the life of a Christian. Paul continues: “. . . but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This is reminiscent of his words to the Colossians: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6; see also Colossians 3:16).
There is a remarkable parallel between Ephesians 4:25, lying; Ephesians 4:28, stealing; and Ephesians 4:29, unwholesome talk. In each case Paul is urging us to be a blessing to those with whom we have daily contact. Paul is emphasizing that merely refraining from telling lies, stealing, or unwholesome speech is not enough. The truth is that Christianity is not a mere “don't” religion. As followers of Christ we should emulate the example of Jesus whose words were so filled with grace that the multitudes were amazed (Luke 4:22).
Jesus reminds us that the words we speak are actually the overflow of our hearts (Matthew 12:34–35). When one becomes a Christian, there is an expectancy that a change of speech follows because living for Christ makes a difference in one’s choice of words. The sinner’s mouth is “full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14); but when we turn our lives over to Christ, we gladly confess that “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9–10). As condemned sinners, our mouths are silenced before the throne of God (Romans 3:19), but, as believers, our mouths are opened to praise and glorify God (Romans 15:6).
Christians are those whose hearts have been changed by the power of God, a change reflected in our words. Remember, before we were saved, we lived in spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1-3). Paul describes those who are dead in sin: “Their throats are open graves” (Romans 3:13). Our words are full of blessing when the heart is full of blessing. So if we fill our hearts with the love of Christ, only truth and purity can come out of our mouths.
Peter tells us, “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Let the power of our words be used of God to manifest the power of our faith. Be prepared to give the reason for why we love the Lord—at any time, to anyone. Our words should demonstrate the power of God’s grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May God enable us to use our words as an instrument of His love and saving grace.
Question: "What does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative?Answer: The Bible warns us against talking too much or being overly talkative. In fact, the Bible says that a fool can be recognized by his many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3). Ecclesiastes 10:14 adds that a fool “multiplies words.”
The Bible discourages using an abundance of words where a few would suffice. “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues” (Proverbs 17:28). Those who feel compelled to give utterance to every thought in their heads usually end up in trouble.
Proverbs 10:8 describes the overly talkative person as a “babbling fool” , a “prating fool, or a “chattering fool who will come to ruin. Such a person is contrasted with one who is “wise of heart” and who “will receive commandments.” The antithetical parallelism of Proverbs 10:19 warns that talking too much naturally leads to sin: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent”
The wise person refuses to talk too much. Rather, he fears the Lord, listens to the Lord, and obeys the Lord. He follows the example of Mary, “who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39). When our mouths are full of our own words, we have little time or interest in God’s words. Talking too much usually means listening too little.
Modern culture offers numerous avenues through which we can express ourselves verbally. Social media, blogs, cell phones, and call-in radio all enable us to keep up a constant stream of chatter. But how much of our talking is truly edifying or important (see Ephesians 4:29)? Saying what needs to be said is important, but talking too much easily leads to saying what should not be said.
Restraining our lips is an indication of wisdom and humility. Talkative people often do not take the time between their many words to choose their words carefully. Christians should be aware that talking too much is detrimental to our witness in the world, as James reminds us, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). James later says that controlling the tongue is one of the hardest things to do, humanly speaking (James 3:2). In fact, “no human being can tame the tongue” (James 3:7). Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit to help us with the task, and here is a helpful prayer: “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
The apostle Peter is often quoted in the gospels, and it seems that he was a talkative person by nature. In one instance at least, Peter’s verbosity was ill-advised. On the mount of transfiguration, Peter says to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say . . .)” (Mark 9:5–6). Notice that Peter “did not know what to say,” so, of course, he said something! It’s just what talkative people do. God quickly silenced Peter by redirecting his focus: “A cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’” (Mark 9:7). Peter’s talking had to be replaced with listening.
Just as the overly talkative person displays foolishness, the one who holds his tongue demonstrates knowledge and understanding. “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit” (Proverbs 17:27). We can’t gain knowledge if we are constantly talking, but understanding comes from listening and using our words sparingly. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak . . .” (James 1:19).
Question: "What does the Bible say about complaining?"
Answer: The Greek word translated “complainer” means literally “one who is discontented with his lot in life.” It is akin to the word grumbler. Complaining is certainly not a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and, in fact, is detrimental to the peace, joy, and patience that come from the Spirit. For the Christian, complaining is destructive and debilitating personally and only serves to make our witness to the world more difficult. Who, for instance, would be attracted to a religion whose adherents are dissatisfied with life and who continually grumble and complain?
The first complainer was Adam who, after he and Eve disobeyed, complained to God that “the woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12). The son of Adam, called Cain, also complained, although undoubtedly within himself (Genesis 4:6). We also know of the complaints made by Moses, when he met God at the burning bush (Exodus 3–4). Also, Moses cried to the Lord repeatedly for deliverance from the Israelites’ grumbling and idolatry (Exodus 17:4; 32:31-32). We also know of the complaints that David offered up to the Lord in the Psalms (Psalm 2:1; 12:1-2; 22:1) and the complaints made by the prophets concerning the idolatry of the Jewish nation. However, the book of Job offers the most in the way of complaints toward God, and yet Job did not sin (Job 1:22, 2:10). That is not to say that the aforementioned people never sinned in voicing their complaints to God, but Job was a man who was able to sanctify his complaints, and that took humility.
Clearly, as believers we are challenged not to grumble or complain (Philippians 2:14-15; 1 Peter 4:9); rather, we are to love one another deeply so that we may become “blameless and pure” in God’s eyes. If we grumble and complain, it shows how worldly we still are (James 4:1-3). A complaining spirit leads to fighting and quarrelling because complaints come from unfulfilled desires, which lead to envy and strife. Was that not at the root of the problem with the sons of Israel, when they chose to dispose of their brother Joseph, because of his dream (Genesis 37:3)?
Finally, while it is not wrong to complain to God, it is wrong to complain about God. Those that did so met the anger of the Lord, as was the case of Moses’ sister Miriam (Numbers 12) and Korah and Dathan (Numbers 16). But note that they spoke against God’s servant and, in doing so, spoke against God Himself. If we must complain, let it be to Him about our own sinfulness so that He will forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9) and put within us a new heart, one that rejoices rather than complains.
Question: "What does the Bible say about pride?"
Answer: There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we feel about a job well done. The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness is sin, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him. Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from God: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” This kind of haughty pride is the opposite of the spirit of humility that God seeks: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of God or, worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.
Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God. For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead but disaster (Isaiah 14:22).
Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves; if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God. What we say about ourselves means nothing in God’s work. It is what God says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:13).
Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). That is why we give God the glory—He alone deserves it.
Question: "What does the Bible say about jealousy?"
Answer: When we use the word “jealous,” we use it in a sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires (1 Corinthians 3:3). Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us (Matthew 13:15). But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never fail or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Romans 8 : 1 -2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 1: 16-17 ; I am not ashamed of the Gospel because is the power of God for the Salvation of everyone who believes.