Have you heard?

Have you heard?

All kinds of provocative conversations begin with that question. The question itself is neutral, but what follows can determine whether the conversation will be uplifting or discouraging.

The Bible in both testaments, along with thousands of years of tradition, warns against things like empty gossip, slander, lies and false accusations.

For instance, Proverbs 26 warns that gossip is like fuel for a fire that escalates disagreement and destroys relationships. Even earlier than this, the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, explicitly warn against "bearing false witness" against another.

In the New Testament, certain passages remind us that things like slander, gossip and even empty meddling in the lives of others are the product of a "depraved mind" (see 1 Timothy 5:13, for instance).

The Book of James warns us that those who are careless with what they say about others are simply playing with fire, and the result is often loss of relationships and loss of a good reputation -- or worse. James goes on to write that the tongue can be "a restless evil," and "full of deadly poison."

So, have you heard about a better way to use our words?

Here are some positive uses and downright good advice about how to use our words for good and not for destructive purposes:

• "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up... that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29).
• Also, even when we are correcting others, we are to do so with "gentleness and great respect" (1 Peter 3:15).
• Jesus himself was known as one whose words were "filled with grace and truth," and people "were amazed" at this (Luke 4:22).

So the next time you hear, "Have you heard?", it may be a good idea to filter out the things that are destructive and move away from them.

Also, the next time you begin a sentence with "Have you heard?", make sure it is something helpful (even if it is corrective) and filled with grace.