“Why You Should Never Speak Ill of the Dead: A Biblical Warning”
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When someone passes away, especially if they were in the public eye, people often share strong opinions. Some say good things, others not so good even at funerals when the family is present. But the Bible reminds us to be careful with our words—especially when it comes to speaking about the dead.
Ecclesiasticus 7:34 KJV “Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.”
Words Can Heal or Hurt
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” What we say carries weight. Families grieving a loss don’t need more pain from harsh or careless words. Even if we didn’t agree with the person’s choices, their loved ones deserve compassion.
In the Catholic Bible, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 7:34 KJV warns: “Do not speak ill of the dead, for you will be shamed.” The wisdom is timeless—respect continues even after death. This verse emphasizes the importance of compassion and support for those who are grieving. Ecclesiasticus 7:34 KJV “Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.”
Romans 12:21 (KJV) teaches us, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” This reminds us that one careless or evil comment can undo much of the good someone has built over a lifetime. Think about it—people may spend years serving, giving, and helping, but a single harsh word at their passing can overshadow their legacy in the eyes of others.
It’s like spilling ink on a white shirt—the mark stands out more than the clean cloth. Our calling as Christians is to resist the temptation to speak evil, even if others do, and instead choose words that uplift. By doing so, we let the good outweigh the bad, honoring both God and the memory of the person.
Alt tag: #Be not overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.
When You Speak Against God’s Chosen
There’s another danger: you never know if the person you are speaking against had God’s favor. In Numbers 12 KJV, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his wife. They questioned his leadership, forgetting that Moses was chosen by God. The Lord heard them and struck Miriam with leprosy. She had to live outside the camp for seven days until Moses prayed for her healing.
This shows us that speaking ill against those whom God loves can bring harm not only to them—but to us. The same God who defends His people in life will still defend their memory after death.
Take the Beam Out of Your Own Eye
Jesus said in Matthew 7:3–5 (KJV):
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? … Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Before we judge or speak harshly about others—living or dead—we should first examine ourselves. None of us are without fault, and showing mercy honors God.
Let God Be the Judge
Romans 14:10 KJV reminds us, “But why dost thou judge thy brother? … for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” At the end of the day, it is God who knows the full story of every life. Speaking evil can stir up God’s wrath—or even backlash from others we may not know are connected to the person.
A Light-Hearted Lesson
Think of it this way: when we speak ill of the dead, they can’t hear us—but the living surely can. Families, friends, even children hear those words. And sometimes, silence is the kindest gift. If you must express your opinions, save them for private conversations, not public debates.
Alt tag: #Be not overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.
Final Thought
Death should remind us to cherish life, not to argue. Whether we liked or disliked someone in life, speaking with respect honors both them and ourselves. As Ecclesiastes 3:7 KJV says, “A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
So next time you hear news of someone’s passing, remember: kind words comfort the living, silence protects the grieving, and God will take care of the rest.
✨ Reflection Question:
When you are tempted to speak ill of someone, do you first take the time to remove the “thorn” from your own eye?
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Romans 10:17 KJV “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
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A CALL TO SALVATION:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7
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