I. INTRODUCTION

A. Does the Bible say anything about Facebook, Twitter, texting, or any other modern forms of communication? It may surprise some to know that the Bible does indeed speak concerning these.

1. Of course, the Bible does not mention these modern technologies by name, but it provides principles that are to govern man's behavior in any era and by any means. These principles are universal and timeless, so changing technology does not affect their validity.

2. In this way, the ancient wisdom of God's word does speak concerning modern communications. In essence, whether we communicate by audible words of the voice, by written letters, or by electronic messages, our words must comply with the wisdom of God.

B. Before we consider the Biblical principles that govern modern communications and social networking, let us understand that there is the potential for both good and bad with any form of communication.

1. The technology of our time makes communication fast and convenient. It can be good to have the capability of communicating with family, friends, fellow Christians, and others very quickly and very often even over great distances. When good and needed messages are spread in this way, it is good for everyone involved.

2. However, this lesson will focus on the inherent dangers that exist in the modern means of communication and the way they are actually used in our world. This examination of the dangers is not intended to suggest that Facebook, Twitter, texting, blogging, etc. are wrong, but rather it is to make us wise and careful in the use of these new tools of communication.

II. BEWARE OF THE DANGERS

A. A basic Biblical principle that applies to all communication is that too many words will lead to sin.

1. This general truth applies to any expression of words whether it is spoken or written.

a. The Bible says, "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). Someone who speaks or writes incessantly is bound to communicate something that is wrong, inappropriate, or offensive. Therefore, it is better to be careful and restrained in the use of words.

b. James warned that "the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell” (Jas. 3:6). The tongue is the instrument of spoken words, but it is the meaning of the words that pose the danger to man. Therefore, whether spoken or written, evil words will defile a person.

2. Because sin is common where there are many words, the Bible advises us to use words sparingly.

a. Consider a few messages from the book of Proverbs concerning the wisdom of careful, deliberate, and restrained communication.

i. Proverbs 12:23 – A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

ii. Proverbs 13:3 – The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

iii. Proverbs 17:27-28 – He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

iv. Proverbs 21:23 – He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.

b. In the "Age of Information,” this wisdom has often been forgotten. Words are now so abundant that sin has also become abundant. Many people have become information exhibitionists and have invited many troubles into their lives.

3. Therefore, we must be careful in all of our communication, including those made through new technologies.

a. In Matthew 12:36-37, the Lord said, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” The word "careless” (Gr. argos) can also mean lazy, idle, or useless (see Matt. 20:3, 6; 1Tim. 5:13; Tit. 1:2; 2Pet. 1:8), and it indicates words that are given without enough effort of thought. Such words will incur the judgment of the Lord.

b. Many words are communicated today without proper care and forethought due to the ease of modern technology. Many of these careless messages would not have been sent in the past, but we can now communicate with greater speed and less thought.

B. Certain sins are more prevalent because of modern communications.

1. Social networks have become a hotbed of gossip, for they are an easy way of learning and telling tales and spreading rumors.

a. As Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,” so people who enjoy gossip flock to social networks in order to consume the "dainty morsels” that may be found there.

b. Gossip spread by any means causes strife, and it is to be avoided for the sake of peace. Consider Proverbs 26:20 – "For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.”

c. Evil people have found social networking to be a convenient tool for quickly spreading rumors, gossip, and strife. They are empowered to do much damage, for Proverbs 16:28 says, "A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.”

d. Therefore, it is wise to avoid gossip on the internet, for Proverbs 20:19 says, "He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.”

2. Social networking, electronic images and videos, texting, iPhones, and other forms of modern communications and technology have also led to many opportunities for immorality.

a. Many inappropriate, immoral, and adulterous relationships have begun and have been propagated through such means.

b. Even relationships that have begun innocently can be turned to immorality by suggestive or inappropriate words and images communicated through the internet, email, or cell phones. Consider Proverbs 5:3-4 – "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”

c. Predators and deviants roam the social networks looking for accomplices and victims, and they often prey on children and teenagers. Adults must be on guard for themselves, and parents must protect their children.

d. Christians must have no part in any of the filthy communication that is commonly shared through modern technology. Consider these principles from the book of Ephesians:

i. Ephesians 4:29 – Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

ii. Ephesians 5:3-4 – But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

C. Social networking can become an obsessive waste of time.

1. Even good uses of modern technology can become excessive when they consume an inordinate amount of time. Many people have become obsessed and are virtual addicts to Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and other social media.

2. Young people and teenagers are especially susceptible to being pulled in to an obsession with such things. Such an obsession robs them of their precious and valuable youth (Eccl. 11:8-10) and often renders them incapable of communicating with people directly (i.e. face to face).

3. Christians are warned in Ephesians 5:15-16 to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Endless hours devoted to useless chatter is not making the most of time. "He who pursues vain things lacks sense” (Prov. 12:11).

III. CONCLUSION

A. Certainly, there is a healthy, balanced approach to all things, and modern communication is no exception. The principles of ancient wisdom found in God's word give that balanced approach even in the use of cutting-edge technology.

B. Therefore, let us use the tools of modern communication according to that ancient, divine wisdom, for godliness and the Scripture are profitable for all we need (1Tim. 4:8; 2Tim. 3:16-17).