Prioritizing Others' Well-being and Trust in Storytelling
Christian teaching emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others, particularly in communication and storytelling. This principle is rooted in various biblical texts and has been expounded upon by theologians across different traditions.
A foundational aspect of this emphasis is the call to engage in "good deeds" that are "beneficial for people" [1]. This is not merely an abstract concept but a practical directive for believers. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, stresses the trustworthiness of this saying and encourages insistence on these matters so that those who have believed in God may be careful to practice good deeds [1]. This suggests that the impact of one's actions and words on others is a primary concern.
In the context of communication, particularly within the church, the well-being of the audience is paramount. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians, highlights the superiority of prophecy over speaking in tongues because prophecy is immediately intelligible and beneficial, strengthening, encouraging, and comforting those who hear [8]. While spiritual gifts are to be desired, the ultimate aim is charity, which is considered "the greatest" [2]. John Gill notes that while some may earnestly covet gifts like prophesying or teaching, there is something even more excellent [6]. This implies that the manner and purpose of communication should always serve the edification and welfare of the community.
The concept of "tale-bearing" is strongly condemned in scripture and by commentators, as it actively harms others' well-being and trust. Matthew Henry describes tale-bearers as "unprincipled people" who "make mischief among neighbours and relations" by spreading stories, sowing jealousies, and revealing secrets [4]. Such actions are seen as destructive to social harmony and trust. This perspective underscores the responsibility to consider the potential negative impact of one's words before speaking.
Furthermore, the principle of fairness and due process in storytelling is also emphasized. When a story is told, particularly in a dispute, it is crucial to hear all sides. Matthew Henry, commenting on Proverbs 18:17, states that "one tale is good till another is told" [3]. He explains that the first speaker will naturally present their side in the best light, but it is essential for the accused or defendant to be heard, to confront witnesses, and to present their own evidence [3]. This ensures that a complete and accurate picture emerges, preventing premature judgment and protecting the reputation and well-being of those involved.
The broader Christian duty of beneficence and doing good to those in need extends to how one uses their resources and influence, including their words. Jesus's teachings, as interpreted by Matthew Henry, encourage believers to use their possessions and enjoyments in this world in a way that benefits them in the next, specifically through "works of piety and charity" [7]. This includes the responsible stewardship of one's ability to communicate and influence others [5].
Sources
- Titus “Titus 3:8 (LEB) — The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist concerning these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): SUPERIORITY OF PROPHECY OVER TONGUES. (1Co. 14:1-25) Follow after charity--as your first and chief aim, seeing that it is "the greatest" (Co1 13:13). and desire--Translate, "Yet (as a secondary aim) desire zealously (see on Co1 12:31) spiritual gifts." but rather--"but chiefly that ye may prophesy" (speak and exhort under inspiration) (Pro 29:18; Act 13:1; Th1 5:20), whether as to future events, that is, strict prophecy, or explaining obscure parts of Scripture, especially the prophetical Scriptures or illustrating and setting ”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:17: This shows that one tale is good till another is told. 1. He that speaks first will be sure to tell a straight story, and relate that only which makes for him, and put the best colour he can upon it, so that his cause shall appear good, whether it really be so or no. 2. The plaintiff having done his evidence, it is fit that the defendant should be heard, should have leave to confront the witnesses and cross-examine them, and show the falsehood and fallacy of what has been alleged, which perhaps may make the matter appear quite otherwise than it did. We must the”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 20:19: Two sorts of people are dangerous to be conversed with: - 1. Tale-bearers, though they are commonly flatterers, and by fair speeches insinuate themselves into men's acquaintance. Those are unprincipled people that go about carrying stories, that make mischief among neighbours and relations, that sow in the minds of people jealousies of their governors, of their ministers, and of one another, that reveal secrets which they are entrusted with or which by unfair means they come to the knowledge of, under pretence of guessing at men's thoughts and intentions, tell ”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16:1: We mistake if we imagine that the design of Christ's doctrine and holy religion was either to amuse us with notions of divine mysteries or to entertain us with notions of divine mercies. No, the divine revelation of both these in the gospel is intended to engage and quicken us to the practice of Christian duties, and, as much as any one thing, to the duty of beneficence and doing good to those who stand in need of any thing that either we have or can do for them. This our Saviour is here pressing us to, by reminding us that we are but stewards of the manifold grace ”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:31: But covet earnestly the best gifts,.... Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, "ye do covet earnestly the best gifts": of prophesying and teaching, of doing miracles, healing diseases, speaking with, and interpreting, different tongues and languages; but I can, and do show you something that is better, and more excellent than these: or, by way of interrogation, "do ye covet earnestly the best gifts?" do you zealously affect them, fervently desire them, and emulate one another in your endeavours after them? I have something to observe to you”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16 (introduction): The scope of Christ's discourse in this chapter is to awaken and quicken us all so to use this world as not to abuse it, so to manage all our possessions and enjoyments here as that they may make for us, and may not make against us in the other world; for they will do either the one or the other, according as we use them now. I. If we do good with them, and lay out what we have in works of piety and charity, we shall reap the benefit of it in the world to come; and this he shows in the parable of the unjust steward, who made so good a hand of his lord's”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:2: 14:2-4 The problem with the gift of speaking in tongues is that hearers cannot readily understand the message; the gift of prophecy, however, is immediately intelligible and beneficial as a word from God that strengthens . . . encourages . . . and comforts those who hear.”