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“Evil speaking” is often thought of as lying about someone or slandering him. It may be gossip. But, it may be as simple as telling someone’s fault or speaking anything unkind to a person or about a person who is not present. When the person is not present, it is like biting someone’s back (backbiting). They can’t see who is biting. “Evil speaking” can even be the truth when it is told with some feeling of malice or lack of caring how the statements will be taken by those who hear.

So, to be a good neighbor we will avoid “evil speaking” of one another. Are we concerned about our own good name? Then, are we just as concerned about the good name of our neighbor? We will be just as concerned when we are loving our neighbor as ourselves.

God’s Word shows He counts “evil speaking” the same as being a judge.

James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Are God’s people the apple of His eye? Yes! Zechariah 2:7-8 tells us that whosoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye. Then, how much trouble do we bring upon ourselves when we speak ill of them?

Zechariah 2:7-8 (7) Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. (8) For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Who shall dwell on God’s holy hill? Of course, all Christians would say they want to live an everlasting life with God on His holy hill. Psalm 15:1-3 tells us that those who dwell there will not slander their neighbor.

Psalm 15:1-3 (1) Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

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If someone asked you if you knew the real purpose of life, could you answer them? Do you really know and know that you know the real purpose of life?

Before we proceed any further, let me offer the answer. The purpose for human life is that God is literally reproducing Himself through man! God created man to be His sons in His Family!

We have been destined to become literal sons of the literal family of God! Not many people on this tiny blue earth know, nor understand this answer!

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Since Jesus, and we who are converted have the same Father (God), He is “not ashamed” to call us brothers.

Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Is this saying we will be like Jesus Christ? Yes! We will be His brothers like brothers and sisters.

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

We will be like Him (Jesus). We will not be like the angels or any other being of inferior
type.

Hebrews 2:5-11 (5) For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (6) But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: (8) Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (11) For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

We will be the literal sons of God and part of His Family. Therefore, since God is a Family name we will be members of this Family.

Here are some key verses.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

We can also see that the Father and Son have a literal family relationship. Let’s go to Matthew 3.

Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

We can also see that this relationship is not limited to Jesus and the Father. It is also extended to include us.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Romans 8:15-16 (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

It becomes very clear that our destiny, yes, our destiny is to be spiritual sons of God!

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

We can see that our physical bodies will be changed from this fleshly body to become a glorious spiritual body like Jesus Christ!

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body ,that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

It should be plain that we will look like Jesus.

1 John 3:1-2 (1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The fact that we believe and teach that God is reproducing Himself so we will become literal sons and daughters as members of the Family of God should not seem strange to those who read and study the Word of God. Jesus told the Jews that all people have the potential to become a member of the God Family. Let’s go John 10.

John 10:29-39 (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (30) I and my Father are one. (31) Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. (32) Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? (33) The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (34) Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (35) If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; (36) Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (37) If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. (38) But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (39) Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand.

They did not believe nor accept this truth at the time of Jesus Christ, and most people do not believe nor accept this truth today.

In Psalm 8:4, King David asked an important question. Do you know the answer?

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

God has this awesome plan of salvation for all mankind. God created us to become literal, spiritual DNA sons in His literal Family!

What is man? Potential sons in the Family of God!

I am sure you agree with me in praying, Thy Kingdom Come! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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Proverbs 26:4-5 (4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. (5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The Bible does not contradict itself. These two verses do not contradict each other, but, rather, they complement each other. Let‘s see the circumstances when to use these verses.

Verse 4 states, answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. To answer the fool’s question or statement, you would be lowering yourself to his level. This could end up in a pointless argument.

In Luke 20:1-8 we can read an example where Jesus was asked by whose authority He did certain things. The Pharisees were not trying to learn anything. Jesus did not answer their question. Because He did not want to be like them, a fool. So, He asked them a question which they could not answer without condemning themselves. Therefore, since the Pharisees could not answer His question, the discussion was dropped.

Verse 5 states, answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. There are times to answer a fool by a foolish answer. This would show just how ridiculous the fools question or statement is. In other words, he would be shown to be wise in his own conceit. 2 Corinthians 11:23 shows an example for us.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

There were some men in Corinth who were claiming to be true apostles, but they were not apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Remaining silent would have given a kind of approval of these men, even though there were actually leading the Church astray. They would have appeared wise in their own conceit. Therefore in Verse 23 Paul said, Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool.) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths ofts.

Paul was exposing these men for what they were by answering their false claims so they would not appear wise.

These scriptures are not contradictory. They are two different ways of answering questions and statements of fools. Wisdom is needed to know when and how to apply the principles of these verses. And, wisdom comes from God.

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According to Revelation 20:6, God’s children will reign with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We can learn and prepare to rule as kings by examining some of the things we have in common with the Old Testament kings.

(1) They were anointed…set apart, and we, too, have been anointed…set apart for the eventual purpose of living forever and ruling with Jesus Christ. After our baptism, we received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. This is how God provided us with the power to
overcome and grow in grace and knowledge. This is how God provided us with the seed of His divine nature that must grow and produce fruit. This is how God provided us with the mind of Christ. We need all of these to rule with Christ.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus.

(2) The ancient kings of Israel were clothed in kingly clothing, We need to be clothed with the same righteousness as Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Our “righteous” attire will be obvious to others who see our choices, our actions, and our mannerism reflecting the
beauty of God’s way of life.

Isaiah 61:10 …for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness….

(3) Israel’s kings were to be educated in the law of God. They were to write out a copy of the law of God and read out of their copy every day. All of their judgments and decisions were to flow from this law

Deuteronomy 17:18-19 (18) And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, aut of that which is before the priests the Levites: (19) And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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(1) Even though we all will have trials, God desires that we always stay in a positive, thankful attitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) When we are tempted or discouraged, we are to put on the opposite thought because this will push the wrong ones out. We overcome evil with good. Here is a procedure you may find helpful.

(A) Pray over the issues, asking God to set you free.

(B) Open your Bible and read. The book of Psalms contains many positive teachings on overcoming temptation and discouragement.

(C) Choose to think on positive things.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsover things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

(D) Set your mind on things above. Set it, and do not let it move away.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

(3) Make it a goal to bring every thought under control.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(4) Stay alert and vigilant. Do not give into Satan’s negative broadcasts.

1 Peter 5: 8-9 (8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world.

(5) Rule your spirit and attitude.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

(6) Spend time with positive people. Avoid those who always complain, criticize, or are ungrateful and unthankful. Enjoy the company of those who will speak of God’s goodness and His glory.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.